The Rose as a Symbol:
* Beauty and Decay: Roses are often associated with love, beauty, and romanticism. However, they also have a fleeting nature, eventually withering and dying. This duality reflects the story's themes of beauty and decay, as well as Emily's own decline and isolation.
* Emily's Name: Emily's name itself evokes a sense of old-fashioned romanticism, similar to the image of a rose. It suggests a bygone era and a character who is both alluring and tragic.
* The South's Lost Cause: The rose can be interpreted as a symbol of the Old South, which is also fading and declining. Emily represents the remnants of a bygone era clinging to outdated traditions.
The "For" in the Title:
* Honoring Emily: The "for" suggests a gesture of respect and remembrance. It's as though the narrator or the town is offering a rose to Emily, acknowledging her tragic life and acknowledging her existence, despite her flaws.
* A Sense of Tragedy: However, the offering of a rose also suggests a sense of pity and sadness. Emily's story is a tragic one, and the rose acts as a symbol of her ultimate downfall.
The Significance of the Title:
Ultimately, the title's meaning is open to interpretation. It's a rich and ambiguous phrase that invites readers to consider the complex nature of Emily Grierson and the societal forces that shaped her life. It encapsulates the story's themes of decay, memory, love, and the enduring power of the past.
It's important to remember that Faulkner's writing is often layered and open to multiple interpretations. You'll likely gain a deeper understanding of the title's meaning after reading the story, as it reveals further insights into Emily's life and the complex world she inhabited.