1. Writing 1 and 2—February 9, 2016
Journal ??: What are the elements of Southern Gothic Literature? Which elements have we seen so far in the story “A Rose for Emily”?

2. What is Southern Gothic Literature?
A subgenre of traditional Gothic literature (think Poe!)
Authors and settings uniquely located in the South
Takes traditional Antebellum—after the Civil War—stereotypes (the southern belle/gentleman, slaves) and updates them to make a comment on traditional Southern values and morals

3. Elements of Southern Gothic Literature
Gloomy, decaying setting
Curses or prophecies
Damsels in distress
Heroes
Romance
The supernatural, grotesque, or ironic
Often include mental diseases and taboo issues such as rape, homosexuality, and racism
Southern Gothic is also known for its damaged and delusional characters

4. The Southern Gothic Characters
Characters often seem superficially traditional, however are much darker in personality than at first glance (think the typical dysfunctional family).
One of the most notable features of the Southern Gothic is "The Grotesque" — this includes situations, places, or stock characters that often possess some cringe-inducing qualities.
While often disturbing, Southern Gothic authors commonly use deeply flawed, grotesque characters for greater narrative range and more opportunities to highlight unpleasant aspects of Southern culture, without being too literal or appearing to be overly moralistic.

5. William Faulkner (1897 – 1962)
Known for a unique, stream-of-consciousness writing style
Awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1949
Known to be a reclusive and private man, who did not appreciate the attentions he received from fans.
In his later years, publicly spoke out against the segregation of blacks and whites.

6. “A Rose for Emily” Vocabulary
Cupola (noun): small dome
Spire (noun): steeple
Coquettish (adj.): flirtatious
Deputation (noun): committee
Vanquish (verb): defeat
Temerity (noun): confidence
Noblesse Oblige (phrase): inferred responsibility of privileged people to act with generosity and nobility to those less privileged
Cabal (noun): clique or political group
Sibilant (adj.): sounded with a hissing effect
Macabre (adj.): gruesome or ghastly
Acrid (adj.): harsh, pungent, bitter
Pall (noun): funeral cloth OR dark cloud/covering of smoke or dust

7. “A Rose for Emily” Vocabulary
Setting includes the historical moment in time and geographic location in which a story takes place, and helps initiate the main backdrop and mood for a story.
Personification is a form of figurative language in which something that is not human is given human characteristics.
Characterization is the process authors use to develop characters and create images of the characters for the audience (direct/indirect).
Point of View is the way the author allows you to see and hear what's going on (1st person, 3rd person limited/omniscient)
Symbolism can be an object, person, situation, events or actions that have a deeper meaning in context.
Foreshadowing is a literary device in which a writer gives an advance hint of what is to come later in the story.

8. Guiding Questions
Which elements of setting in the story contribute to its dark, somewhat somber tone?
What role does personification play in the story, and how does it coincide with characterization of Miss Emily Grierson?
What effect does the collective "we" point of view have on the story?
Trace the author's use of color in the story. How does color symbolism connect with the story's plot?
Which details in the story foreshadow its ending?

9. Miss Emily’s House
As I read paragraph 1 and 2 take note of the details used to describe Miss Emily’s house. Try to visualize what it looks like.

10. Group Work
Work with your group to finish the close reading of “A Rose for Emily.”
#1 The narrator
#2 Miss Emily Grierson
#3 Homer Barron
#4 Tobe (Miss Emily’s manservant)
Create a detailed Facebook status/Tweet from the point of view of your assigned character. Provide quoted textual support to your status/tweet.
Create a group version on the big sheet of paper (color and creativity get extra credit). Make sure to write the status/tweet on your packet in Section #5.