The novel's multiple narratives make it difficult to perceive from the first time. Due to the slightly similar meaning, it is best to read the short story before the novel. A Rose for Emily demonstrates all the brightness and acute contradictions of Faulkner's writing style. After reading this story, the reader will find that the novel As I Died becomes easier to understand. The great insight of the novel lies in the horrible selfishness of people, who in theory should be the closest to each other, which coincides with the sudden conclusion of the story. In particular, the concept of social ignorance towards human nature together with the fact that they are unable to express their true identity are the most characteristic traits of these two modernists.