Where is the irony in 'A Rose for Emily?

Answer 1

There is so much irony in this story.

Tthe actions of the town drove her to do what she did adn how they criticized her for not being social when they were the cause of her being ostracized.

Also there is irony in the southern gentility and aristocracy. The people despised her for her inclusion in that high social class yet you need society to create this illusion of a higher class. You can't be atop the social heirarchy if society does not recognize you as part of that social hierarchy.

Faulkner pokes fun at this in many occasions. WHen Emily buys the rat poison, the mayor conferrin tax exempt status, the aldermen's visits to her house, the way they deal with the smell inside the house.

A very good example is where they despise her because she feels she is above them yet when she shows an interest in Homer Barron they protest because he is a simple day labourer from the north and not someone of high social ranking.

Another bit of irony is that Emily purchases arsenic with the obvious intent of killing Homer Barron. She intends to do this because she learned that he is about to jilt her and leave town. The druggist who sells Emily the arsenic wraps it in papers and writes on on it "for rats," which is exactly who she used it on in her mind.

Answer 2

The irony in "A Rose for Emily" lies in the contrast between Emily's public image as a respected, aristocratic woman and the dark secrets hidden within her decaying home. Additionally, the town's shock at the discovery of Homer Barron's remains in Emily's bedroom is ironic, as it reveals the extent of Emily's twisted actions.

Answer 3

The rose is not mentioned in the story itself. in fact, it rather reflects, as Faulkner said himself, the pity one would have towards a person like Emily.