Stuck in the past in “A Rose for Emily” by Faulkner Change causes a person to do things out of the norm. It is common for people to fear change. Most people although afraid will accept the changes and adapt to it. Others will control that change unwilling to adhere to the new and unfamiliar way of things. Many are stuck in the past, in the traditions that guide their lives. Emily Grierson is a product of the Old South, rich in traditions and set in her ways. The New south means change; traditions are lost and replaced with new customs. Even though afraid of change Emily will control the changes in her life, the loss of her father, the respect of the town, and even the reality of her own life in “A Rose for Emily” by Faulkner.
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The town holds Emily to high southern standards; her father had been an influential person while he was a live. Now that he was gone the people of the town started to “pity Miss Emily” (101). She is alone and considered a pauper. Yet Emily will not accept the fact they are pity her. When the Aldermen came to collect the taxes she dismisses them telling them that she owes no tax. After a strange smell appears coming from the Grierson’s house the people start to “feel really sorry for her” (101). When Emily began to see Homer, a Northern Yankee construction worker the town begins spreading rumors. They even call her a

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“disgrace….. and a bad example to young people”(103). Emily decides to take matters in her own hands she goes to the jewelers and bought items to give to Homer. Hoping that will stop the whispering of the town. Because of all the changes in her life and her inability to accept those changes, Emily loses her own reality and is stuck in the past in “A Rose for Emily” by Faulkner. The death of Emily begins to show signs of mental collapse. For three days her father lay in the house with her refusing to admit that he is dead. After the disappearance of Homer Emily stays tucked away inside her house only seen on occasions and then just through the windows. Her physical appearance changes also from that of a “slender figure in white” to a fat grey haired women (101). When Emily dies the town people are anxiously the