She can not accept the death of her father, (Faulkner pg. 32) “ The day after his death all the ladies prepared to call at the house and offer condolences and aid, as is our custom. Miss Emily met them at the door, dressed as usual and with no trace of grief on her face. She told them that her father was not dead. She did that for three days. ” She also is a very selfish women who does what every she can to keep the ones she loves around for as long as possible, for example; she purchased arsenic from the local druggist to poison Homer Barron so he would not be able to leave her ever again.
Although, Calixta portrays her self as a loving wife and mother through her concern for her husband and child, this concern is out the window when it comes down to Alcee. The overwhelming impression of Calixta is that of a sensuous creature driven by passion, (Chopin pg. 110) “ They did not heed the crashing torrents, and the roar of the elements made her laugh as she lay in his arms. She was a revelation in that dim, mysterious chamber; as white as the couch she lay upon.
Her firm, elastic flesh that was knowing for the first time its birthright, was like a creamly lily that the sun invites to contribute its breath and perfume to the undying life of the world. ” The similarities and the two characters is that both women are Southern women who become involved with men outside of marriage. Calixta is married and has an affair while Emily is not married and is involved with Homer. There are so many differences between Miss Emily and Calixta.
To start out with, the contrast would include their personalities. Miss Emily does not cope well with the passing of time, very reclusive, resistant to change, is not married nor does she have children. Calixta is more personable, friendly, and approachable, married and has a child. The similarities between the two might include their selfishness (Calixta in having her affair and having no apparent remorse for it and Miss Emily for also being unapologetic for her attitude, etc. ) and their strong natures.
