1. Time and its passage: The watch, stopped at the exact moment Homer Barron died, represents the frozen state of Emily's life. It symbolizes her inability to move on from the past and her clinging to a moment that was forever lost. The watch is literally frozen in time, just as Emily's life and understanding of the world remain stagnant.
2. Denial and Isolation: The watch also highlights Emily's denial of death and reality. It acts as a physical manifestation of her refusal to accept Homer's death and her subsequent descent into a world of delusion. By keeping the watch, she maintains a false sense of connection and control over the past, further isolating herself from the outside world.
3. Decay and Loss: The watch, found in a "dead man's" room, contributes to the overall theme of decay and loss that permeates the story. Just as the watch is no longer functional, Emily's life and the house she inhabits are slowly decaying, both physically and emotionally. This decay symbolizes the inevitable passage of time and the impossibility of returning to a past that is lost.
4. Love and Obsession: The watch is a tangible reminder of Emily's intense obsession with Homer. The watch's proximity to the "smell" in the room suggests a connection between Emily's obsession with Homer and her eventual act of murder. The watch, meant as a symbol of shared time and intimacy, becomes a symbol of a love twisted into possessive obsession.
5. Southern Gothic Tradition: The watch, with its macabre significance, fits perfectly within the Southern Gothic literary tradition. It is a dark, unsettling symbol that adds to the overall sense of mystery and suspense surrounding Emily and her actions.
In conclusion, the watch in "A Rose for Emily" is a multi-faceted symbol that serves as a powerful tool for understanding the story's complex themes. It reveals Emily's struggle with time, her denial of reality, her isolation, and her obsessive love, all within the context of the Southern Gothic setting.