Student Question
How should an introduction for "A Rose for Emily" be written?
Quick answer:
An effective introduction for "A Rose for Emily" should briefly outline the setting and central problem, focusing on Emily Grierson as a lonely, eccentric figure trapped in the past. Highlight her relationship with the curious townsfolk and hint at the secrets within her mansion to intrigue the reader. Avoid excessive detail to maintain interest and provide a foundation for understanding Emily's significance and the story's unfolding mystery.
The best way to write an introduction to "A Rose for Emily" is by explaining the setting and the problem of the story as it relates to the main character. Do not add too much detail to an introduction. The purpose of this particular type of writing is to whet the interest of the reader, and to give the audience an idea of what they are to expect.
If you go to the "A Rose for Emily" analysis tab here on eNotes.com, you will find around 5 different summaries of the story. Each summary has a very powerful introduction that can help you visualize how it is supposed to be written. Take a look at the example coming up. I added one fact from each thing that the reader will find as they read: Emily, the townsfolk, her problem, the house, and the secret.
“Miss Emily Grierson is...
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a lonely woman trapped in the by-gone days of the once-powerful Southern society. Unable to move on, Emily's eccentric nature and dismissive behaviors elicit the curiosity of the townsfolk, who wonder what exactly has taken place inside the once grandiose mansion where she has resided in isolation. Now that she has died, they are about to find out what lurks within the fallen monument that once was the Grierson mansion.”
You do not have to add as many details to an introduction. I added details to the one that you just read, but it is also advisable to stick to minimal facts.
- Miss Emily Grierson, an old, eccentric and enigmatic woman from Jefferson County has died
- Her only companion, a black servant named Tobe, has taken off the property.
- The townsfolk wonder what has happened in the home, which has been closed to the public for decades
- First, we must know who Emily is and why her story matters.
These facts should suffice to be used as an introduction that will make the future reader curious, and will bring in a lot of attention to the rest of the story, as it goes on.