What did Miss Emily inherit from her father? This question lingers in the minds of readers who delve into William Faulkner’s classic novel, “The Yellow Wallpaper.” Miss Emily Grierson, the enigmatic protagonist, is portrayed as a woman burdened by her father’s legacy, which shapes her life in profound ways. The inheritance from her father encompasses not only material possessions but also the psychological and social consequences that follow her throughout the narrative.
In the opening scenes of the novel, Miss Emily’s inheritance is immediately evident. Her father, a prominent and wealthy man in Jefferson, Mississippi, leaves her a vast fortune upon his death. This inheritance grants her a certain level of independence and financial security, which allows her to remain secluded in her mansion and avoid the judgment of society. However, the true inheritance from her father lies in the psychological and social repercussions that follow his death.
Miss Emily’s father was a controlling and overbearing man, who raised her in a strict and oppressive environment. He instilled in her a sense of superiority and a disdain for the lower class, which she carries into adulthood. This inheritance is evident in her treatment of her servants and her reluctance to adapt to the changing times. Miss Emily’s father’s influence also manifests in her inability to form meaningful relationships with others, as she clings to the illusion of her father’s presence and the idealized image of herself as his daughter.
Furthermore, Miss Emily inherits her father’s social status and the expectations that come with it. Her father was a prominent figure in Jefferson, and his legacy places her in a position of power and influence. However, this inheritance also burdens her with the responsibility of maintaining her family’s reputation and upholding the social norms of the time. Miss Emily’s struggle to balance her desire for independence with the expectations of her father’s legacy is a central theme in the novel.
The inheritance from her father also has a profound impact on Miss Emily’s mental health. The oppressive environment she grew up in, combined with the pressure to uphold her family’s reputation, leads to her psychological deterioration. Miss Emily’s descent into madness is a direct result of the inheritance she received from her father, as she is unable to break free from the constraints of her past.
In conclusion, Miss Emily inherits much more from her father than just material wealth. She inherits a complex web of psychological, social, and familial obligations that shape her life and ultimately lead to her downfall. The question of what Miss Emily inherited from her father is a multifaceted one, encompassing the good and the bad, the tangible and the intangible, that define her character and the tragic narrative of “The Yellow Wallpaper.
