Abstract：In recent years, A Rose for Emily has been highly praised by critics and ordinary readers because of its exquisite skill and rich connotation. Accordingly, many domestic and foreign scholars have been studying this novel from different angles, such as from the viewpoint of cognitive linguistics and aesthetic of reception. Nevertheless, most of these studies focused their attention mainly on the writing skills or historical background of the novel. After reading the novel, it can be easily found that there is a mystery about the rose appearing at the end of the novel. Therefore, this study attempts to explore the symbolic meaning of “the rose” in A Rose for Emily.

　　　In this study, we first did an overall introduction of the author -- William Faulkner and the background of the novel, and then we made a summary combining the research both at home and abroad. In addition, we explore the symbolic meaning of the rose in the novel from different perspectives. In the end, we make a conclusion of the study as well as work out the deficiency and seek some suggestion. We hope this study will help readers to understand the symbolic meaning of the rose much better so that they can have a deep understanding about this novel.

Key words： the rose；symbolic meaning ；south complex；the fallen monument

摘要：近年来，《献给艾米丽的一朵玫瑰花》以精湛的手法与丰富的内涵备受评论家和普通读者的高度赞扬。因此，国内外众多学者从不同角度，如从认知语言学角度和接受美学角度等对其进行研究。然而，这些研究的大多注重于研究该作品的写作手法或时代背景。通过阅读该作品，不难发现小说最后出现了谜团一般的玫瑰花。因此，本研究试图探索《献给艾米丽的一朵玫瑰花》中玫瑰花的象征意义。

　　　在本次研究中，我们首先对作者威廉·福克纳和该作品做了一个简单的介绍，然后把关于作品的国内外研究状况联系起来，做出总结。此外，我们再从不同的角度剖析作品中玫瑰花的各种象征意义。最后，我们对本研究做出结论，并且提出研究的不足和改进的建议。我们希望本研究能帮助读者更好地理解玫瑰花的象征意义，以便他们对小说及其主题有更深的认识和体会。

关键词：玫瑰花；象征意义；南方情结；倒下的丰碑