Abstract

A Rose for Emily is a famous novel written by William Faulkner, which is one of southern literary masterpieces. Works by telling the tragic story that Emily was in pursuit of romantic love but ultimately murdered her lover, it shapes a typical image of Emily who suffered from the destruction of the southern traditions and patriarchy. From the feminism perspective, the novel analyzes the causes of Emily’s tragic life. It reveals the core of Puritanism to the old tradition, patriarchy and the south corrupt institution of marriage for women devastation and suffering. Paper is divided into five sections—— analyzing the present situation of the research at home and abroad; introducing the origin, the definition and three development stages of feminism; introducing William Faulkner and the content of works; analyzing the causes of Emily’s tragic life; summarizing and thinking how to enhance perceptions of feminism. 

Key words: A Rose for Emily; feminism; tragedy; patriarchy

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Introduction of Feminism2

2.1 Origin of feminism2

2.2 Definition of feminism2

2.3 Three development stages of feminism.3

3. William Faulkner and A Rose for Emily4

3.1 William Faulkner.4

3.2 A Rose for Emily4

4. The Causes of Emily’s Tragic Life.5

4.1 Under the pressure of Southern traditions and puritanism5

4.2 Oppression and devastation of patriarchy7

4.3 Painful cost of marriage.8

4.4 The disappearance of Emily’s female consciousness9

4.5 Emily's aristocratic identity.10

4.6 Emily’s dual personality11

5.Conclusion.13

References15