A Feminist Study Of A Rose For Emily

With the help of feminist theory, this thesis analyzes the realization of women's identity in patriarchy through the short story A Rose for Emily written by William Faulkner who is a distinguished novelist in 20th century American literature. A Rose for Emily is highly praised for its superb workmanship and rich connotations by critics and common readers. Scholars at home and abroad have spent great academic energy on this story from various perspectives, but the treatises and works from feminist theory are limited, therefore, the author chooses feminist theory to read this short story. This thesis, through the analysis of Emily's behavior and her circumstance, presents women's predicament and a big social concern caused by women's tragedy, and reflects the oppression of women and their ensuing rebellion in patriarchy. It points out that to realize the independence and self-approval in economy, life, and mind is of vital importance for women to fulfill their own identity in patriarchy, which is the only access to acquire real equal social status to that of men and eventually to achieve the development of society. Finally, recognizing Emily's victim image and understanding the causes of her tragedy comprehensively are the prerequisites for grasping the essence of the character and the novel fully, more importantly, a responsible attitude in literary criticism. It is hoped that this thesis will provide a different perspective for further study on A Rose for Emily.