
Encourage Critical Thinking with These A Rose for Emily Essay Prompts
Challenge your students to think deeply about William Faulkner’s Southern Gothic short story A Rose for Emily with this set of 15 analytical essay questions. These prompts guide learners to explore key themes such as tradition, secrecy, isolation, gender roles, and the tension between past and present—making them perfect for KS4 English Literature lessons, revision, homework, or assessment preparation.
Students will be encouraged to analyse how Faulkner uses Gothic elements to shape atmosphere, how Emily’s character invites both sympathy and horror, and how death—literal and symbolic—structures the narrative. The prompts also invite reflection on the story’s unusual timeline, the weight of community gossip, and the symbolism of the Grierson house.
What’s included:
★ A complete list of all 15 essay prompts
★ Individual printable handouts for each question with planning and writing space
★ An editable PowerPoint version for classroom display or digital lessons
Sample questions include:
➤ How does Faulkner use Gothic elements to build mood and tension in the story?
➤ In what ways can Emily be interpreted as both sympathetic and monstrous?
➤ How does death—both literal and symbolic—shape the structure and themes of A Rose for Emily?
Why choose this resource?
✔ Text-focused, accessible prompts designed to stretch thinking
✔ Encourages analysis of theme, character, structure, and symbolism
✔ Flexible format for class discussion, essays, or independent study
✔ Ready to use with KS4 English Literature
Download today to inspire insightful essays and meaningful class discussions around one of Faulkner’s most unsettling and enduring short stories.
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