A Comparison of Two Characters in A Rose for Emily and Barn BurningIn "A Rose for Emily" and "Barn Burning," William Faulkner creates two worthy characters of comparison. Emily Grierson, a recluse from Jefferson, Mississippi, is an important figure in the town, despite having spent much of her life in solitary confinement. In contrast, Abner Snopes is a loud, hot-tempered man who most people tend to avoid. If these characters were judged only on reputation and appearance, the conclusion would be that Emily Grierson and Abner Snopes are complete opposites. However, despite the external differences, these two characters have surprisingly similar personalities. First of all, Emily Grierson and Abner Snopes have very different backgrounds. Emily Grierson was born into a wealthy family, referred to as “the high and mighty Griersons” (50). He lives in a large, elegant house, rebuilt after the Civil War. His home is located in the heart of what was once Jefferson's most elite area. He spends almost his entire life inside this house, only leaving it on rare occasions. Yet the townspeople are always worried about Miss Emily, as she is the last Grierson. They are interested in what is happening to her, constantly piecing together her life. However, no matter how well people reconstruct the events, few know Miss Emily. Upon her death, she is said to be a "fallen monument" (47) because she was so idolized throughout her life. In contrast, Abner Snopes sits at the other end of the social scale. He is in the lowest class. As a tenant farmer, Abner lives a life almost like that of a slave. He works continuously day after day, living with his family in small shacks that are "not suitable for hawks" (7). He is itinerant and never has money. Abner constantly displays his lack of decency and rude manners. He is considered a threat everywhere he goes and no one has any interest in knowing such a disgusting and arrogant man. Even though they are at the extremes of the social spectrum, Emily Grierson and Abner Snopes have something in common: they are both outsiders in the communities in which they live. Colonel Grierson limits who Miss Emily can see and to the point that she has no friends or even acquaintances.