In order to write an analysis on power one must first know the definition. Power is the right to control the lives of people and objects. We know by the narration of “A Rose for Emily” that the Grierson last name had control in the town of Jefferson. She was able to get away with not paying taxes. According to Emily she didn’t owe any taxes. The tax collectors were swiftly escorted out by Tobe her servant, which proves she’s used to getting her way. Another example of Emily’s power was from the rotten smell coming from her home. The Mayor was hesitant to approach Emily with any concerns so instead he took it upon himself and had her yard disenfected with lemons.
The people of Jefferson feared Emily for some reason unfortunately we dont get any facts or inside Emily’s mind. Her life affected theirs. She isolated herself from society people were assuming she was going to kill herself. When Homer Barron came into town Emily resurfaced, that had the town on edge. Some ladies went to the church to inform the congregation that unwed Emily was hanging around with a man, becoming a bad example to the young people. She enjoyed Homer’s company, she did so much she never let him leave continuing her power and control in the story. Homer was powerless he was just enjoying his time with a women and his life was taken away because Emily didnt allow him to leave.
We know Emily poisoned Homer because of her outside affairs, she went to the doctor and asked for arsenic and Homer was never seen again. Well that was until Emily died. When news went around that Emily passed people were once again curious. Some went to her home to pay their respects and look around the home that no one has seen for decades. They entered Emily’s bedroom a corpse was found and beside the corpse was a pillow with a head imprint and a gray strand of hair. Emily was sleeping with a dead man’s body.
