What does the rose represent in "A Rose for Emily" by William Faulkner?

Question

In *A Rose for Emily* by William Faulkner, Faulkner never mentions rose as a noun, only as a past tense verb throughout the work. However, its position as one of two primary words within the title, suggests that the "Rose" has significance of its own. So, what does the rose represent in the title of *A Rose for Emily*?

Answer 1

The rose is symbolic of everlasting love. Emily is denied her chance of marriage, when her controlling father gets rid of her suitors. After her father dies, Emily is left alone, and as a rose withers, she is left to die alone.