Life

Life

Archetypes in A Rose for Emily
Archetypes are, by definition, previous images, characters, or patterns that recur throughout literature and though consistently enough to be considered a universal concept or situation. Archetypes also can be described as complexes of experiences that come upon us like fate, and their effects are felt in our most personal life. A Rose for Emily by William Faulkner contains many of this particular critical method. Although there are several archetypes found, the most important is Emily�s father.
Archetypes are like riverbeds which dry up when the water deserts them, but it can find it again at any time. This short story offers many interpretations. However, the structure of the story breaks down into two stages: past and present. By examining the archetypes within the story, it can be suggested that Emily�s over-protective father stands to represent Emily�s feminist struggle, the ongoing battle for women to have an equal place in society. Emily should be able to do as she pleases, but her dependence her father does not allow her to have that freedom.
Her father�s over-protection is evident in this passage, �We remembered all the young men her father had driven away, and we...

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