Presenting Worldview Conflict in the Short Story
“A Rose for Emily” can be analyzed from a sociological perspective by exploring the connections between the author and the work of literature. The story follows the life of Miss Emily Grierson and her relations with the residents of the town called Jefferson (William, 1930). The narrative starts by declaring that Miss Emily has passed away and explains that the woman was lonely for many years, and her only companion was a man-servant (William, 1930).
In comparison, the townspeople stand all together and, since the second generation, are referred to as “we,” indicating the community’s contrast with Miss Emily, who prefers to remain alone (William, 1930, p. 3). Accordingly, such a collective personification of Jefferson’s residents may indicate that they reflect the writer’s position and his social values (William, 1930). In particular, the community appears to appreciate connections between people and everyone having specific duties, whereas Miss Emily is concerned about herself in public (William, 1930). Consequently, “A Rose for Emily” depicts the dissimilarity between the protagonist and the author, whose perspective is represented through the townspeople.
Social Values in the Short Story
Furthermore, a sociological approach concerns the social context of the literary work. Miss Emily has lived through three distinct eras that treated her quite differently from one another, showing each generation’s priorities. For instance, people of the first period were conservative, expressed racism, and overlooked Miss Emily’s obligations (William, 1930).
However, those of the second generation, who were present primarily throughout her life, had more modern ideas and wished for Miss Emily to respect her debts, but she disregarded them (William, 1930). People of the newer era have forgotten about her and did not bother the lady much until her demise (William, 1930). Accordingly, “A Rose for Emily” demonstrates the values of the society of distinct periods and how they treated the protagonist.
Reference
William, F. (1930). A Rose for Emily.