Faulkner uses a nonlinear narrative structure to tell the story of Emily Grierson’s life. The story is not presented in chronological order, but rather jumps back and forth in time, creating a sense of disorientation and mystery. By withholding information and revealing details in a nonlinear way, Faulkner forces his reader to piece together the events of Emily’s life over time, just as the townspeople of Jefferson must do. This creates a sense of distance and estrangement from the main character, as the reader never receives a clear picture of her motivations or inner thoughts.

The nonlinear narrative also enables Faulkner to build suspense and tension throughout the story. The disjointed structure allows the reader to experience the story in a way that is both disorienting and compelling and adds to the overall impact of the narrative as it moves to its tragic conclusion.

Foreshadowing is a literary device used to provide hints or clues about future events. Faulkner uses foreshadowing to create suspense and tension throughout the story. The opening section of the story suggests that the Grierson house holds horrible secrets: The “dim hall […] smelled of dust and disuse” (48) and Emily herself resembled “a body long submerged in motionless water (49).