Abstract

The short novel that is A Rose for Emily, was written by William Faulkner who is a distinguished novelist and tells a surprising story about Emily who is an traditional and noble woman as well as the main character. The novel was of suspense, horror and terror. This paper plays more emphasis on the narrative techniques in several sections—the introduction, the narrative theory, the main idea and theme, the four narrative skills and the conclusion.

William Faulkner describes the inner space and outer space of

Emily’s old house which both show the place and necessary background and reflect the construction of the novel. The writing technique of space is also a way to convey the psychological change of Emily. Emily’s house is becoming senile and broken, which creates horrible and solitary atmosphere. This writing style widens the narrative capacity as well as promotes the progress of the story. This village witnesses Emily’s miserable and catastrophic fate in her life, which further sublimates the theme. This type of writing technique breaks the traditional thinking and it creates the new space construction. 

Keywords: narrative theory; narrative perspective; symbolism; 

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1.Introduction 1

1.1William Faulkner and His Narrative Techniqe1

1.2 The Main Idea and Theme of A Rose for Emily..1

2. Narrative Theory2

2.1 The Definition of Narrative Theory3

2.2 The Narrative Time and Narrative Context.3

3. The Narrative Skills Adopted in A Rose for Emily5

3.1 The Multiple Narrative Perspectives in A Rose for Emily.5

3.1.1 The Reflector-character’s Perspective in A Rose for Emily5

3.1.2 The Narrator’s Perspective in A Rose for Emily5

3.2 The Symbolism in A Rose for Emily6

3.3 The Gothic Style in A Rose for Emily8

3.4 The Time and Space Order in A Rose for Emily.10

3.4.1 The Inverted Order of The Narrative Time10

Conclusion.11

References13