The Name of the Rose is a complex exploration of the conflict between reason and faith in a world on the cusp of the Renaissance. William, a man of science and logic in an age dominated by religious dogma, represents the emerging spirit of inquiry. His methods, including observation, deduction, and even rudimentary forensic analysis, clash with the abbey's rigid adherence to tradition and scriptural interpretation. This thematic tension is further explored through the abbey's labyrinthine library, a symbol of forbidden knowledge and the potential dangers of unchecked intellectual exploration.

The abbey’s library, with its secret passages, hidden chambers, and vast collection of manuscripts, is more than just a setting—it's a central symbol. Its intricate layout reflects the complexities of knowledge itself, full of dead ends and hidden truths. As William delves deeper into the library and the investigation, the labyrinth becomes a metaphor for the human mind, the search for meaning, and the inherent limitations of understanding. The killer's motives, rooted in a fear of laughter and the liberating power of knowledge, further underscore this theme.

Eco masterfully weaves a tale where truth is elusive and open to interpretation. The deaths, seemingly random at first, are revealed to be connected to a forbidden book and the differing interpretations of its contents. William, through his reliance on observation and deduction, challenges the accepted narratives and reveals the subjectivity of truth. Ultimately, the novel suggests that truth is not always absolute but rather a matter of perspective, shaped by individual biases and the limitations of human understanding.