A Rose for Emily

"A Rose for Emily" by William Faulkner is set in a small Southern town during the post-Civil War era. The story revolves around the protagonist, Miss Emily Grierson, and the peculiar, tragic events of her life. In the aftermath of her father's death, which Emily refuses to acknowledge, she meets a Yankee, Homer Barron, and falls in love with him. When Homer tries to leave her, she poisons him and keeps his body in her …

…can be argued that Homer and Emily's father are the antagonists of the story, in the sense that they both keep Emily from acquiring what she truly longs for, which is having someone to be with and love. However, it is in actuality Emily's own character traits and static nature that keep her from obtaining love. Her unwillingness to allow people into her life and to accept change proves to be her own greatest enemy.