A Rose For Emily by Faulkner

Character analysis

Why is Emily the round character? Why is Homer Barrom the flat character?

https://learn.lexiconic.net/characters.htm

https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-a-flat-character-and-a-round-character

Read carefully and then think carefully about the two characters. Once you've written up your responses to the questions, post them here if you want a tutor to critique your thinking and writing.

In analyzing the characters of "A Rose for Emily" by William Faulkner, Emily can be considered a round character because she is complex and undergoes significant development throughout the story, whereas Homer Barron is a flat character because he remains relatively static and does not experience much change.

To support the claim that Emily is a round character, you can examine her multifaceted nature and the evolution of her character over time. Throughout the story, we witness her transformation from a young, vibrant woman to a reclusive and disturbed figure. Emily's experiences, such as the deaths of her father and Homer Barron, impact her psyche and contribute to her isolation. Additionally, her mysterious behavior and unconventional actions, such as living with a corpse and poisoning Homer, demonstrate her complexity.

On the other hand, Homer Barron is a flat character because he does not experience any significant change or development. He remains consistent in his role as Emily's love interest and serves primarily as a catalyst for her actions. While Homer's actions and beliefs are briefly explored, they remain relatively superficial compared to Emily's richly developed character arc.

To further explain this analysis, you can delve into specific moments in the story that demonstrate Emily's complexity and development, while contrasting it with Homer's limited characterization. Examples such as Emily's refusal to admit her father's death, her relationship with the townspeople, and the shocking discovery in her home all contribute to her round characterization.

Remember to support your claims by providing evidence and examples from the text to strengthen your analysis of the characters.