Abstract:William Faulkner's grand historical works with distinct artistic style and strong local color made a prodigious contribution to American literature and the world of literature. He produced extensive body of work, most of which received universal praise, and become hotspot for researchers’ to study. His short stories have quickly become a great treasure to the world of literature. 

Setting in the background of the Southern United States, most of his works reflect the growth and decline of the big families. “A Rose for Emily” is such a masterpiece. Most researchers study his work from the perspective of technique, artistic features of narration, writing style and feminism, etc. 

This thesis explores the human survival crisis of the people in the Southern United States, and reveals the result of the declination of the plantations from different aspects. 

Keywords: William Faulkner  A Rose for Emily  Survival Crisis

Contents

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Introduction to William Cuthbert Faulkner-1

1.2 Introduction to “A Rose for Emily”-1

1.3 Literature Review-2

Chapter Two Survival Crisis of the Southern People in America-4

2.1 Material Deprivation-4

2.2 Lack of Belief-5

Chapter Three Causes of their Survival Crisis-7

3.1 Economic Crises-7

3.1.1 Impact of the American Civil War-7

3.1.2 Decline of the Southern Plantation System-8

3.2 Spiritual Crises-8

3.2.1 Gaps among People-8

3.2.2 Fear of Future-9

Chapter Four Conclusion-12

References-13