Abstract: William Faulkner is one of the outstanding writers of American South Literature in 20 century. A Rose for Emily is William Faulkner’s representative short story. It depicts the decline of the Southern America due to the postwar defeat against capitalism. It reflects the contradiction between the emerging capitalism and the forces of the old south. Emily’s tragedy life begins under this background. She cannot adapt herself to the changes in southern society after the civil war, and finally she meet with the irreversible decay, corruption and disastrous death. This paper aims to analyze cultural causes of Emily’s tragedy from the regional level to patriarchy, abstinent woman, and racial discrimination. 

Key words: A Rose for Emily; tragedy; culture; conflict; religion

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction-1

1.1 The Introduction of Faulkner -1

1.2 Social Background -2

1.3 A Rose for Emily-3

1.4 Literature Review-4

2. The Tragedy in A Rose for Emily-.5

2.1 Industrial Civilization-6

2.2 Love for Homer Barron -7

2.3 Conflict with Town Resident -8

2.4 Relationship between Emily and Her Family-10

 3. Causes Analysis-11

3.1 Regional Level-12

3.2 South Noble and Patriarchy-13

3.3 Abstinent Woman-14

3.4 Racial Discrimination-15

4. Conclusion.-16

References -17