What do you infer to be the author's attitude toward Emily Grierson?

In, "A Rose for Emily", the author's attitude seems to be more objective, than subjective. However, if we look closely at the story, there are subtle hints that the author almost pities Emily as a social recluse with mental problems. For example, Emily's "indiscretions" (i.e.

Keeping her father's body, killing Homer and keeping his body) are described in an almost matter of fact style. However, the author does give us details about her life to let the readers now what lead her to these acts. For example, it is stated that some of her family members (aunts) suffer from mental problems.

We also see that Emily sees death as not necessarily ending a relationship. For example, she kept her fathers body with her until the towns people made her remove. Furthermore, Emily kills Homer (as you recall he was going to leave her) to keep him from leaving.

In her mind, if he is dead, he will not be able to leave her, and thus they can continue their relationship. This is evident in the fact that at the end of the story, we find out that she has been sleeping in the bed with the corspe for many years. So clearly the author portrays Emily, not as a "madwoman", but more as a social recluse who does not see death as an end to a relationship.