What does the title suggest about the townspeople’s feelings towards Miss Emily? What does she represent to them and how is their attitude ironic?

The title may be more of a reflection of the author's attitude than the townspeople in "A Rose for Emily." When William Faulkner was asked about the significance of the title of the story, he said that the "rose" represented a tribute to Emily. Others have suggested that the rose represents the kind of thing you would put on the coffin of someone who has died, or a beautiful flower that has nasty thorns. However, the attitude of the townspeople towards Emily is apparent in the way they treat her. To them, she is a part of the Old South, a member of a distinguished family who deserves respect. Even though her father left her no money when he died, the town leaders treat give her special consideration. They find a way so she won't have to pay taxes. The entire town ignores the horrible smell coming from Miss Emily's house, Finally, several men sneak up in the middle of the night and put lime around the house to kill the smell. They never suspect Emily of any type of crime. Ironically, this special treatment allows this symbol of respect and civility to literally get away with murder.