Examples Of Classism In A Rose For Emily By Faulkner

In addition to the social issues of gender and classism the author addresses in the story, Faulkner also describes the setting and atmosphere of the Old South to give readers insight into the values and beliefs held by the society portrayed in his story. For example, the men in town valued their position in the town. This helps readers understand the motivations, actions and reactions of Miss Emily and the rest of the town. For example, a man, during this time period, valued how women carried themselves. He expected a standard of decency from his wife because he saw her as a possession and, therefore, a refection on him. Miss Emily’s relationship with Homer Barron was frowned upon because the society’s view of classism forbade a person like
Homer from marrying a woman from Miss Emily’s privileged background. As the author ______ put it, “This could be attributed to the fact that as the times are changing, [the town] need[s] someone to restore or uphold their southern pride or majesty and as she is a Grierson, she is their only link to that past” (In-Text Citation). Miss Emily’s choice of Homer as a potential husband did not support the town’s belief in classism. The Civil War had just ended and because Homer was a northerner, therefore, an enemy which disturbed the citizens in the Jefferson. Not only that, but he was also of a lower class, “a day laborer” (Source). The idea of a Grierson being involved with someone who was associated with these negative attributes was unacceptable. The older generation took it upon themselves to interfere with their relationship by calling on Miss Emily’s kinsfolk to knock some sense into her. After all, she was setting a bad example and because she was supposed to epitomize the morals and decency of nobility, they felt that they had to do something to restore her moral standing for her.