Emily's father was the patriarchal head of the Grierson family, who was well respected in the town. Everyone understood what a bad man he was, but little Emily was surrounded by the selfish society that didn’t help her. His control over Emily's personal life prohibited her from romantic involvement. After reading the text, you will see the real attitude of Emily’s father to everyone and especially to his daughter. He wanted to have not a happy child, but a housekeeper who will do everything for him. The only words he told daughter were words of criticism, yelling and bruises after that.
Mr. Grierson in the Essays