In "A Rose for Emily" one of the main conflicts is Miss Emily Grierson's inability to change which William Faulkner illustrates through the use of symbolism and vivid characterization.
Emily's resistance to change is shown through her actions and interactions with others. In the latter half of section one, when Miss Emily is approached by the Board of Aldermen who confront her about her taxes, she repeatedly dismisses them saying "See Colonel Sartoris. I have no taxes in Jefferson." although the Colonel had been dead for almost ten years (Faulkner 53). This confrontation shows Miss Emily is stuck in the past and refuses to acknowledge any change that has taken place in Jefferson. Another example of Emily's obstinateness is her inability to accept death. When her father died and all the ladies of the town attempted to send their condolences, Miss Emily told them that her father was not dead. She kept up this…show more content… The most prevalent symbol in the story is her house. The house mirrors Miss Emily's descent into darkness. The house is described as "once been white, decorated with cupolas and spires... set on what had once been our most select street..." However now the house is described as "an eyesore among eyesores." (Faulkner 52) Much like the house Emily had once been pure and white but as the story goes on she grows older and more unstable. At the same time as the story progresses the house starts to decay and become overgrown and dirty. The house also refuses to move on with times and is noted as the only house left on it's street attempting to "[lift] its stubborn and coquettish decay above the cotton wagons and gasoline pumps." Likewise Miss Emily is regarded as "holding herself too high" for what she really was (Faulkner 52). The house can be compared to chronologically to Miss Emily's physical attributes and her deterioration as a
