Graduation Thesis of Chongqing University Literature review
The second category of studies focused on the point of view employed in this short story, such as Ruth Sullivan, Isaac Rodman, Lawrence R. Rodgers, etc. Among them, Terry Heller?s “The Telltale Hair: A Critical Study of William Faulkner?s ?A Rose for Emily?” is a representative among critics focusing on the narrative effect.
The third category of studies is about narrative structure in the work. Faulkner always arranged an intricate structure to his short stories. Floyd C. Watkins?s “The Structure of ?A Rose for Emily?” (1954), William V. Davis?s “Another Flower for Faulkner?s Bouquet: Theme and Structure in ?A Rose for Emily?” (1974), Ray B. West Jr.?s “Atmosphere and Theme in ?A Rose for Emily?” (1998).
The fourth category is about narrative language in “A Rose for Emily” is also very typical. Faulkner describes Emily?s house with a very long and complex sentence, which can present a solemn feeling with a slow rhythm as well as the noble past of the owner in this town. Besides, Faulkner always uses long sentences followed by many short sentences in order to reach certain art effects. For example, in the Part Five, “The man himself lay in the bed” in the middle of two long paragraphs is very obvious , because this short simple sentence would make readers wondering who this man is and why he is lying here. It can produce a new suspense with horrible atmosphere. The two examples mentioned above are frequently applied to illustrate certain features of Faulkner?s language in many critical studies.
And there is another language features in “A Rose for Emily”, which appears in Mary Louise Weaks? “The Meaning of Miss Emily?s Rose” (1981). The studies concern the narrative skills are numerous, for instance, Semiramis Yagcioglu?s “Lauguage, Subjectivity and Ideology” (1995). And the studies also include the interdisciplinary narrative. Mary Arensberg and Sara E. Schyfter?s “Hairoglyphics in Faulkner?s ?A Rose for Emily?” (1986-1987).
2.2.1 The researches in China
Though domestic study about Faulkner is later than the foreign country, it still attracted many scholars? interest to study the work such as Ning Juanqin and Shi Junhua?s “On Anachronism and Narration Distance of A Rose for Emily” (2007), Ding Xiaoyu?s
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Graduation Thesis of Chongqing University Literature review
“The Temporal Philosophy of A Rose for Emily” (2008), Pan Buhan?s “The Narrative Structure and Techniques in William Faulkner?s ?A Rose for Emily?” (2008), Pan Xuequan?s “An Interpretation of ?A Rose for Emily? from the Perspective of Linguistic Iconicity” (2008). And Xiao Minghan?s “Study of William Faulkner” is the first treatise on studying Faulkner?s work in a more complete perspective.
From the researches both at home and abroad, it can be concluded that the narrative study of “A Rose for Emily” has mushroomed. However the studies from the perspective of combining narrative study with the plot of the short story are few. And that leave possibility for researchers to try a new angel to interpret this story.
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