Use of Symbolysim in A Rose for Emily Authors traditionally use symbolism as a way to represent the sometimes intangible qualities of the characters, places, and events in their works. In his short story "A Rose for Emily," William Faulkner uses symbolism to compare the Grierson house with Emily Grierson's physical deterioration, her shift in social standing, and her reluctancy to accept change. When compared chronologically, the Grierson house is used to symbolize Miss Emily's …showed first 75 words of 771 total…

…showed last 75 words of 771 total…family's house are strongly related with one another. So, it should now be obvious to the analytical reader that the relationship between the Grierson house's and Miss Emily Grierson's, physical deterioration, shift in social standing, and reluctancy to accept change, is too precise to be construed coincidental. It is precisely this open usage of symbolism, and expert utilization of foreshadowing that earned both William Faulkner and "A Rose for Emily" their places among the classics.