Wednesday, January 13, 2016

What does Homer Barron's name represent in "A Rose for Emily"?

The name Homer Barron can be interpreted within the context of the story, "A Rose for Emily", as the author's sublime way of telling the reader that this man is trouble for Emily.

"His relationship with Emily is considered scandalous because he is a Northerner and because it doesn't appear as if they will ever be married. In fact, it is known that he drinks with younger men in the Elks’ Club and he has remarked that he is not a marrying man."

The man is a thief who steals Emily's heart, as in Robber Baron, one who acts in an unscrupulous manner in business.  And, the fact that he is a homosexual, "Homer" play on words or a reference to the ancient Greeks where homosexuality was openly practiced in society.

"Faulkner based part of the character of Emily on a cousin, Mary Louise Neilson, who had married a Yankee street paver named Jack Barron."

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