Some readers might find the title of Faulkner’s story, “A Rose for Emily,” ironic. As a symbol, the rose generally signifies romantic love. Roses are one of the most admired and reminiscent flowers. In particular, red roses are a traditional symbol for love and romance. By obtaining a rose that is the color red, it is said that it is a symbol for a deep emotion. The red rose can also be seen as a religious symbol. In Greek and Roman mythology the red rose was closely tied to the goddess of love. The rose was described as a form of love, as it was used in multiple relationships, and wedding ceremonies. Assuming that Faulkner is well aware of the rose’s symbolic meanings, I asked myself why he chose the title? The story seemed as if it was disturbing at first. The story seems to have more to deal with death, than love. One possible reason Faulkner may have chosen this perplexing title is to present an ironic image of the rose’s nature. By calling the story “A Rose for Emily,” Faulkner caused the reader to assume this is a typical love story. Faulkner then overturns the reader’s expectations by offering a twist, which results in the death of many people. Generally love stories involve a young beautiful girl, worthy of receiving love. In this story, however, the woman is old and slowly dying. The narrator explains, “She looked bloated, like a body long submerged in motionless water, and of that pallid hue” (Section. 1- Para. 6). Emily also is considered an “old maid” by the townsfolk. For example, the narrator mentions how the town noticed she “got to be thirty and was still single”, and how they considered her “left alone, and a poor” following her father’s death. Due to her unfortunate looks, fortune, loneliness, and old age, Emily is portrayed as an object of the town’s pity. In his story, Faulkner not only uses irony in creating its main character, but also in revealing the type of love she experien