Emily's house is grand and seems to refuse to change, like everything around her. However, refusing to change does not mean not being a victim of time, as the house, like Emily, is degrading more and more and ending up in an illusion that only Emily maintains.
The decay of the house reflects the decay of Emily who has increasingly strange and degrading behaviors, moving the curiosity and concern of some residents. All of this moves the story because nobody knows what is really happening with Emily and this suspense develops the whole plot and leading the reader to look forward to the end and be surprised when he finds out.
I'd say that tv is really popular in that area, especially late at night, and because of that parents have to be more strict so their kids will go to bed..
