A Rose for Emily
by William Faulkner

A Rose for Emily: Allegory 1 key example

Definition of Allegory

An allegory is a work that conveys a hidden meaning—usually moral, spiritual, or political—through the use of symbolic characters and events. The story of "The Tortoise and The Hare" is... read full definition
An allegory is a work that conveys a hidden meaning—usually moral, spiritual, or political—through the use of symbolic characters and events. The story of "The... read full definition
An allegory is a work that conveys a hidden meaning—usually moral, spiritual, or political—through the use of symbolic characters and... read full definition
Section 5
Explanation and Analysis—The Rose:

In an interview, William Faulkner says that the title “A Rose for Miss Emily” is an allegorical title. While Miss Emily never receives a literal rose in the story, the story itself might be read as a metaphorical "rose." Faulkner states that the rose represents a salute to Miss Emily after she faces much tragedy.