Emily is a representation of the old south. She was raised in an environment of southern gentility by a father who prided himself on being a true southern gentleman.
"Emily’s father, an arrogant Southern aristocrat who believes that no man is good enough for his daughter."
When her father dies, she refuses to accept it.
"She keeps his body for three days before she finally breaks down and allows her father to be buried."
This can be interpreted as clinging to the old south, as represented in her father, Emily cannot bear to part with him or the old way of life.
Because of her father's strict nature, Emily is left alone after his death. She is susceptible to the charms of Homer Barron, who is deemed unacceptable for her by her family and the members of the town.
"The older people dislike the relationship because they think it is bad form for a Southern woman to associate with a Yankee."
Emily's madness and eccentricity are symbolic and representative of the death and decay of the old south. Just as the old southern gentility is slipping into the past, so does Emily's ability to focus on reality.
Emily's obsession with death arises again, she would rather have a dead man in her home than no man.
"Emily’s purchase of arsenic; the awful smell coming from her home after Homer disappears) and the town’s grotesque discovery at the end of the story suggest that Emily is driven to murder."
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