Question

Why is the timing all over the place (start at death, go back to 1890s, then forward to 10 years before death, then 20 years before death, two years after dad's death...) This is from "A Rose for Emily" by William Faulkner.

Answer 1

The timing in Faulkner's 'A Rose for Emily' is non-linear to reflect the character's secretive life, the nature of collective memory, and to add depth to the themes of Southern traditions and change.

Step-by-step explanation:

The non-linear timeline in William Faulkner's A Rose for Emily serves several narrative purposes.

First, it reflects the disjointed and secretive nature of the protagonist's life, defined by isolation and mystery; the story jumps between different periods of Emily's life to reveal her character and the circumstances that led to the story's shocking conclusion.

Second, the non-chronological order mirrors the collective memory and gossip of the townspeople, contributing to the story's theme of subjective truth versus objective facts. Faulkner's use of this narrative technique provides depth and complication, encouraging readers to piece together the puzzle of Emily's life as they would a real-life mystery.

Moreover, Faulkner's modernist approach allows him to explore deeper themes about the South, tradition, and change.