A Picture Of Emily’s House In A Rose For Emily By William Faulkner
In most stories things like a guitar or a record player wouldn’t have any meaning. Even though sometimes they might have a meaning, but as readers we don't go searching for it without obligation. In one of two stories a house had the impact of a way of life, a safe haven, and a guard. In the second story, something as minor as a basket carrier was giving the impression of a form of submission, a way of the culture and a form of progression.
In the beginning of the first story it's very sad and somber and explains a lot in just one paragraph. A picture of Emily’s house accompanies the excerpt. Later on in the story tells how her father dies and it's hard for her to let go. The story tells us that it goes on to be months before anybody saw her again. In the story a few characters approached her about her unpaid taxes. This Particular conversation, that was put a spotlight, really showed her stubbornness and her discommunication with the world. While the men were asking her question she repeated the same phrase over and over again until she got tired of it and kicked them out. This just shows that when she let those in, she didn't really let them in.
On the contrary, in the second story the head carriers were a form of progression and independence rather than a hindrance. While hold the baskets and maneuvering the low places, crowded places, and rocky unleveled grounds they persevered. Holding those baskets on top of their heads showed that they have no limits and need no assistance. Continuing on a good not about head carriers, it showed their culture and ethnicity. In the story in separated them from the whites. If the author of the story decided to take out every time they said “nigger or negros” it would still be evident who was who in the story. Just like the head carriers serves as a way of life so did Emily’s house, but not in the best way. At first her house was admired, it was a beautiful white color with all kinds of accents and decorations. Over the course of time the story describes her house as an “eyesore among eyesores”. Without Emily ever having to open her mouth the condition of her house serves as a translator.
Lastly, the second story gave me one final meaning and that is, even in the independence there is submission. Having the baskets on top of their heads have me the visual of them still being under some kind of authority. Holding up and taking care of whoever has power of them. For the initial story my final interpretation was how her house was her safe haven. She had somewhere to run to. A place she knew would never leave her. Her peace and sanity lied within the walls of that house and it was a comfort for her.
As I close out this rollercoaster of an essay, objects in stories can have an intention or unintentional meaning. Having a guard, a safe haven, and a representation of your life was the meanings for Emily’s house. For the head carries culture, progression and submission was there meaning. These words have positive, negative, and neutral connotations. Without meaning or expression stories can be interpreted as a hollow shell of fancy words and controversial topics. Using objects as representations can fill ip that shell like a cold glass of lemonade on a hot summer day.
