Emily Grierson's Death Of Emily By William Faulkner: Literary Analysis

The conflict in the story largely revolves around the mystery of Emily Grierson’s life, particularly what occurred between her and Homer Barron. The conflict between the two came to a climax after Emily’s death in which the townspeople discovered his dead body and were able to determine that he was killed. Throughout the course of the story, Faulkner placed much emphasis on the lack information that was known by the townspeople regarding Emily and Homer. Faulkner first alludes to Homer’s death when discussing the complaints that the townspeople regarding a bad smell coming from Emily’s home. Although Judge Stevens claims that “It’s probably just a snake or rat” that caused the smell, Faulkner’s inclusion of the smell occurring “after her sweetheart