A Rose For Emily

The plot and structure of A Rose for Emily was extrememly important to the overall effect of the piece. The story is told from the point of view of some townspeople, which also adds to the tone of the work. The story is being told after Emily's death, so it is not in chronological order. It is looking back on the past events of Emily's life after the people have realized that she is dead. The fact that the story is split into five sections that jump from one point in time to another add suspense and mystery. Because the people from the town told the story, I was curious to see how different Emily really was compared to their opinions, thoughts, and rumors about her. If the story were told from Emily's point of view, the plot would have changed drastically. Emily seems very distant and isolated because of the point of view chosen by the author. The way the story is told out of order and the point of view without Emily's thoughts or feelings creates a huge climax that ends the story and leaves readers shocked.