Student Question
Does the "taxes" in "A Rose for Emily" have a deeper meaning?
Quick answer:
The "taxes" in "A Rose for Emily" symbolize Miss Emily's disconnect and rejection of the town and its social norms. When the tax collector visits her, she refuses to acknowledge the taxes, claiming an outdated exemption. This reflects her isolation and denial of reality, as she is unaware that Colonel Sartoris, who exempted her, has been dead for years. Her refusal to pay taxes mirrors her broader rejection of societal changes and connections.
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The taxes are present in the story because the tax collector comes to Miss Emily's home to collect her overdue taxes. She insists she does not owe any because Colonel Sartoris did not make her family pay taxes. Miss Emily has been so out-of-touch with the town and its people that she does not know that Colonel Sartoris has been dead for around 10 years. The men are rather intimidated by Miss Emily, as she is a stern woman who is temperamental. She is dressed in black and is intimidating. The men do not bother to tell her that Colonel Sartoris is dead and they do not insist any longer that she pay taxes. They leave when she instructs Tobe to show them out.
As for symbolism, perhaps the taxes could represent the town and the townspeople. Miss Emily has shunned the town...
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and the townspeople by becoming a recluse and not bothering to speak with anyone or keep up with what is going on in the town. In turn, Miss Emily also rejects the taxes she owes, so by doing so, she has again shunned and rejected the town and its townspeople.