Topic: A Rose for Emily Words: 4. American writer William Faulkner is famous for his short stories describing the events taking place in what is known as Yoknapatawpha County, recognized as a non-existent town. So, one of her short stories, A Rose for Emily, is one that needs to be discussed below. Analysis. Meaning of the title “A Rose for Emily”. Literal Reference: A gift Emily never receives from Homer, showcasing her unfulfilled desire for love and connection. Symbolic of Emily: beautiful but fragile, she is preserved in a state of disrepair, reflecting the decline of the Old South.Introduction. In the short story “A Rose for Emily,” written by William Faulkner, the Old South is depicted through the lens of symbolism. So, the emotional reaction of people who witnessed the tragic events arising from the unrequited love of the main character, unacceptable for his position, can be examined by: