Plot
After the death of Emily's father, she does this to avoid letting go of him.
What is refusing to bury him immediately?
This character is the protagonist of the story, known for her reclusive behavior and tragic death.
Who is Emily Grierson?
This Gothic theme is symbolized by Miss Emily's crumbling house and the shocking discovery of Homer Barron's corpse
what is death and Decay
This literary device can be found in the first sentence which is used to describe Emily as a " fallen monument"
what is a metaphor
This theme is shown when Emily refuses to accept her father's death.
What is denial of change
The townspeople are shocked when they realize this man has been living with Emily, despite not being seen for years.
Who is Homer Barron?
This character's death marks a major turning point in her life.
Who is Mr. Grierson?
This them describes Miss Emily's reclusive life, cut off from the townspeople and the world
what is mystery
The structure of the story is an example of this literary device, in which the past is portrayed in the present
what is a flashback
What is decline
This item is discovered in Emily's home after her death, revealing the dark secrets of her life.
What is a decayed corpse?
This character is Emily's love interest, a man from a lower class who Emily meets and eventually keeps in her home.
Who is Homer Barron?
Miss Emily's purchase of arsenic hints at the tragic fate of Homer Barron, what Gothic element is shown by the Arsenic
omens, portents, visions, and curses.
In the story Emily's home represents decay, which shows this particular literary device.
Emily's isolation from the town and her inability to form any kind of healthy relationship shows this important theme.
What is lonliness
In an effort to prevent her from leaving the house, Emily refuses to pay this town-imposed fee.
What are taxes?
Emily refuses to pay taxes, citing this man, who had allegedly exempted her after her father’s death.
Who is Colonel Sartoris?
The State of Miss Emily's house, described as " an eyesore among eyesores," reflects this gothic theme
what is death and Decay
The many descriptions of Emily's house is a primary example of this literary device, which creates a sense of mystery.
What is foreshadowing
Emily's actions to keep Homer Baron "with her forever" reflects this dark theme of the story.
Emily's tragic refusal to accept the passage of time and her father's death leads to her doing this with Homer Barron.
What is poisoning him and keeping his body?
This character is Emily's servant.
Who is Tobe?
The foul smell emanating from Miss Emily's house is an early clue foreshadowing Homer Barron's corpse. What Gothic element is shown by this scent
what is omens, portents, visions, and curses
Emily repeatedly refers to herself as "we", which is a weird example of which literary device
What is perspective
The conflict between the modern part and the traditional part of Jefferson reflects this theme.
What is resistance to change