This study examines William Faulkner's A Rose for Emily through the lens of defamiliarization, a key concept in Formalist literary theory. By employing close reading and I.A. Richards' analytical model, the analysis explores how the text transforms familiar themes of love, death, traditions, and societal norms into strange and thought-provoking concepts. The fragmented narrative structure, vivid imagery, symbolism, and ironic contrasts work to reframe the understanding of the past and its impact on the present. This study mainly focuses on the use of figurative language and the title, which adds layers of complexity to the story. The study highlights A Rose for Emily as a profound critique of resistance to change and the haunting power of memory, offering new perspectives on the interaction between individual and societal struggles.
Raheem et al. (2025) studied this question.