Read the short story by William Faulkner. Then carefully read each of the following questions before providing your answer.
1. How might this story be rewritten as a piece of formula fiction (genre)? You could write it as a romance, detective, or
horror Story - whatever strikes your fancy. Does Faulkner's version have elements of formulaic fiction?
2. What is the effect of the final paragraph of the story? How does it contribute to your understanding of Emily? Why is
it important that we get this information last rather than at the beginning of the story?
3. What details foreshadow the conclusion of the story? Did you anticipate the ending?
4. Faulkner uses a number of gothic elements in this plot: the imposing decrepit house, the decayed corpse, and the
mysterious secret horrors connected with Emily's life. How do these elements forward the plot and establish the
atmosphere?
5. Discuss how Faulkner's treatment of the North and South contributes to the meaning of the story.