The Irrecoverable Trauma of Emily: A Study of Trauma in William Faulkner’s A Rose for Emily

Abstract

William Faulkner’s A Rose for Emily is a short story that describes the tragic life experiences of Emily, who goes through various traumas and becomes psychologically distorted. Based on Judith Herman’s work, Trauma and Recovery, this thesis first analyzes the traumatic symptoms of Emily, using Herman’s three main categories of traumatic symptoms, which includes the symptom of hyperarousal, intrusion and constriction. Then, the causes of Emily’s trauma will be analyzed, focusing on analyzing the constraints of family, the social oppression and isolation, and the betrayal by her lover. Ultimately, under the guidance of Judith Herman’s three stage model of trauma recovery, this thesis manages to demonstrate the inevitable failure of Emily’s trauma recovery, focusing on analyzing Emily’s failure in the establishment of safety, remembrance and mourning, and the reconnection with ordinary life.