A Rose for Emily, by William Faulkner is a story that on the surface comes across as a creepy first-hand account of an old woman. Who is so self-absorbed in her ways that she cannot be changed nor consoled. Although behind the initial story, history of post-Civil War reconstruction is strongly represented by the mannerisms portrayed by Miss Emily and the town. Plans of merging the North and South happened over a 12-year period from 1865-1877. During this time, the fight became very political concerning how the south would go about integrating the newly freed African-American. By breaking down Miss Emily’s mannerisms, we can see the South's inability to change. This is important because the laws and ways of thought were changing around them.

This story takes place in the deep south with the main protagonist being Miss Emily. The plot leans on Miss Emily's house, the oldest house “in a once-elegant, upscale neighborhood” (Sparknotes). A symbol of the last remaining southern icon for all the neighbors and people of the town to see. Also how the dark image of the southern racism concerning slavery will always linger throughout American history. Tobe, Miss Emily’s servant is referred to as “the negro” (Faulkner) which, especially in today's culture, is frowned upon. Every time Tobe is referenced he is referred to as property. However, before the last 50 years’ negro was not only acceptable but common vocabulary for southerners working hand and hand with these African-Americans. 

Southern aristocracy plays a large role in Miss Emily’s lack of change. Attitude about pre-existing social status puts her above the law. In her own mind this makes her better than all the other townspeople. Miss Emily, even from a young age, was kept unmarried by her father who shooed away all suitors. The Grierson family seems to have lost their money and status like other aristocrats when the South lost the war. When Colonel Sartoris, the towns previous mayor, “suspended Emily’s tax responsibilities” (Faulker) it symbolizes a bigger picture. After the civil war, southern crimes were given a full pardon. After Colonel Sartoris is replaced as mayor, attempts are made to reclaim her tax responsibilities, but with no success. Miss Emily claims she “no taxes in Jefferson” (Faulkner) even though there has been no recorded history of her pardon. 

After the Civil War, the south had a tough time giving up ideals and ways of life. Obviously slavery was abolished by the thirteenth amendment but black oppression did not stop for another 60 years, some say it has never stopped. Faulkner makes sure that Miss Emily’s involuntary duties are forced. When her father passes away, Emily keeps the body for three days until she is forced to give the body up. Just as the South held on to control of the black population for as long as possible. For example, the “Black Codes” (crf-usa) put in place from 1865-1866 made a separate standard of living for blacks versus whites.

Following her father's death, Miss Emily falls into a scandalous relationship with a sidewalk worker named Homer. The time period affects the nature of their relationship because they were only seen together on Sundays. An unmarried woman spending time with a man without an escort is seen as trashy and very beneath Miss Emily (Enotes). This worsens the towns view of the Grierson family. Just as the South clung to their old ways of oppression and were looked down upon by the North. 

Faulkner’s story is a one with a much deeper meaning than there appears to be. The self-absorbed protagonist is consumed in her ways and cannot be changed nor consoled. The initial story is affected by the history of American reconstruction after the Civil War. Southern stubbornness to change was strongly represented by the mannerisms portrayed by Miss Emily. During reconstruction, the fight became very political concerning how the south would integrate the black community into a white society. When evaluating Miss Emily’s mannerisms, we can see how Faulkner’s text was directly affected by tensions created by changes in power between the North and South after the civil war.
