In everyday life, the average American encounters many symbols every day. Symbolism can best be described as a person, place or object that means something much more than what is being described. Colors are great examples of symbolism. The black color symbolizes death and pain while the gray color symbolizes anguish and worry. Even inanimate objects have symbols. A chain symbolizes a connection in relationships while the sun symbolizes spirituality and visibility. In the story, A Rose for Emily, the townspeople gather to mourn the death of Miss Emily Grierson. As they reunite, each person remembers memories of the woman, be they good or bad. Emily Grierson was a stable young woman who lived with an overbearing father and a quiet servant. Emily was never allowed to date or like a man because her father kept her captive and isolated from any relationships. On the day of her father's death, Emily couldn't let him go; therefore he kept his father with him for three days, denying that he was dead. Time passed and Miss Emily decided it was time for a change. Miss Emily crossed paths with a man named Homer Barron. He was an upstate Yankee laborer who worked near the Griersons' home. The citizens were disappointed because of the name Grierson. According to them, they believed that Emily would never fall in love with Barron. They were wrong. After hanging out and having fun for a while, Homer was never seen again. Miss Emily was seen buying strange items for the wedding that made the citizens believe that they were going to get married. Another day, Emily bought arsenic and was never heard from again. Over the years the Grierson home began to appear dusty and unsanitary. The day... in the center of the sheet... a subliminal text, which allows you to better understand the story through literary technique. Works Cited Faulkner, William. “A rose for Emily.” Heritage of American literature. Ed. James E. Miller. Vol 2, Austin: Hacourt Brace Jovanovich, 1991. 1215. Print.Madison Cavell Editors. "The Role of Town People in Faulkner's 'A Rose for Emily'." Madison Cavell Word Press. N. p., 15 October 2012. Web. 17 Mar 2014. Shmoop editorial team. “The house in 'A Rose for Emily'.” Shmoop. Shmoop University, Inc., November 11, 2008. Web. March 17, 2014. Shmoop Editors. “Homer Barron.” Shmoop.Shmoop University, Inc., nd Web. March 17, 2014. Studio Mode Editors. "Symbols in 'A Rose for Emily'."Studio Mode. Study Mode, Inc. November 1, 2012. March 17, 2014. Sparknotes Editors. "Themes, Motifs, and Symbols of 'A Rose for Emily'." Sparknotes.Sparknotes, Inc., nd Web. March 17 2014.