Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
In the short story "A Rose for Emily" by William Faulkner, there are references to the Civil War that provide context and contribute to the story's themes. The references occur in the following ways:
Miss Emily's Father: In the story, it is mentioned that Miss Emily's father had once loaned money to the town, which they considered as a "colossal affair." He had believed that the town would never repay the debt because of the "colossal" nature of the event. This implies that he held on to the past and his beliefs from before or during the Civil War, showing a sense of clinging to old values and pride.
Colonel Sartoris: Colonel Sartoris, a former mayor of the town, had enacted a tax remission plan that relieved Miss Emily of her tax obligations. He justified this by referring to a loan that her father had made to the town, a debt he believed was never repaid. This reference again highlights the town's lingering connection to the past, in this case, through financial matters.
The references to the Civil War and the past play a role in the story by emphasizing the theme of tradition, decay, and the effects of time on individuals and society. The town of Jefferson is portrayed as clinging to its historical customs and values, even as the world around it changes. This contributes to the sense of isolation and stagnation that is evident throughout the story. The references to the Civil War help to contextualize Miss Emily's family background and their position within the town's hierarchy, reinforcing the idea of the fading Southern aristocracy.