If “A Rose for Emily” were narrated in first person singular by Homer, the contractor and Emily's love interest, there would be drastic changes in overall story line, such as the background of Jefferson, which is the townspeople's thought regarding to Emily. The background is essential to the original story line because it brings up pre-existing relationship between the Grierson and townspeople, leading us to believe that the connection between these two provides some sort of clue that the readers can apply to solve what is going on in the story. Similarly, the relationship between Emily and her father creates townspeople's assumptions, which become the readers' clue as well. In addition, there will be much more background information regarding to Homer.
More subtle change can be made if the new narrator were from Jefferson, like Tobe, Emily's servant, or the druggist. Although Tobe is much closer to Emily than any other characters in the story so Tobe's relatively close relationship with Emily may affect the original pov. of story line, the effect of Tobe as narrator depends on Tobe's characteristic. If he cared for Emily and felt interested in her personal life, story may change; otherwise, Tobe would be just other townspeople.
Going back to Homer as the narrator, Emily's true character will become more visible because Homer would spend more time with Emily getting to know who she really is. On the other hand, the background between Emily and townspeople prior to Homers arrival in Jefferson will be hidden because Homer is outsider who came to Jefferson for his work.
The change in narrator would affect the theme, Emily's madness towards her love, because the townspeople may see that her father might has to do with the cause of her madness but Homer would just think he is just crazy person.
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