Study Questions
1. What does the term “noblesse oblige” mean?

2. What events cause some of the townspeople to say “Poor Emily”?

3. Why is Homer Barron in town?

4. What does Miss Emily purchase from the druggist?

5. What does Miss Emily tell the druggist the poison is to be used for?

Answer
1. “Noblesse oblige” is a French term that means “nobility is an obligation.” In the English usage, it refers to the “honorable” behavior that persons of high birth or rank are expected to display.

2. Miss Emily appears in public with, and expresses an interest in, Homer Barron, a Yankee day laborer.

3. Homer Barron is on a crew paving the sidewalks.

4. Miss Emily buys arsenic from the druggist.

5. Miss Emily refuses to tell the druggist why she wants the poison.