From Page to Stem: Famous Flowers in Literature

“But when the gentle breeze of springtime came,

The rose’s blushing petals opened wide,

And on her cheeks, with radiant colour glowed,

As if she knew the blush of love inside.”

— Ovid, Metamorphoses, Book 10

 

We begin with the ‘Queen of Flowers’ herself, the rose. Throughout the ages, few symbols have held as much meaning as the rose. From art and music to film and fiction, roses have represented love, beauty, and deep emotions for centuries. From her presence in ancient literature to her role in depicting conflict and passion in modern stories, roses have impacted storytelling across time.

It's hard to pinpoint when our floral protagonist made her literary debut, but many references to roses are associated with Aphrodite, dating back to the 8th century in works by Hesiod, and continuing through the classical period in Ovid's Metamorphoses. In the Latin narrative poems, roses are intertwined with themes of love and transformation. One of the most memorable stories involves Psyche, who goes through intense trials to be with Cupid. Here, roses symbolise her unwavering love and the beauty that can arise from struggle, illustrating how, over time, these flowers have served as powerful symbols of love’s bittersweet challenges.

Speaking of time, the red rose plays a crucial role in Beauty and the Beast. In the novel by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve, the wilting red rose serves as a reminder of the Beast's curse and the limited time he has to learn to love — and be loved in return. With each crimson petal that falls, a moment slips away, highlighting just how fleeting our chances at love can be.

As the wilting rose in Barbot de Villeneuve’s magnum opus, the colours of roses have long been imbued with symbolic meaning. Explore our blog on rose colours for an in-depth look at their rich character.

"With little here to do or see,

Of things that in the great world be,

I come to you,

A child of the sky,

In a field full of flowers,

And I see your face shine."

— William Wordsworth, To the Daisy

 

Now, the daisy. The simple, cheerful, and dainty little flower has quietly made its mark in literature, often symbolising purity, innocence, and fresh new beginnings.

English Romantic poet William Wordsworth turns to the daisy in his poetry as a symbol of beauty found in everyday life. In his poem To the Daisy, he expresses an admiration for the flower, noting its resilience and unpretentious charm. Wordsworth marvels at how the daisy blooms brightly in fields, standing strong despite the challenges of the changing seasons.

In To the Daisy, Wordsworth invites us to slow down and notice the small wonders in nature that we often overlook. He reminds us that beauty doesn’t have to be grand or extravagant; sometimes, it’s the ordinary things — like a humble daisy — that can inspire us the most.

That being said, in fiction daisies can mirror characters who seem sweet on the outside but have a streak of selfishness within. Take Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby: Fitzgerald named her with purpose. On the surface, Daisy appears lovely, carefree, and full of light, much like the daisy flower itself. But, as Gatsby and readers discover, her beauty masks a self-absorbed and careless nature that ultimately causes more pain than joy.

“I had no idea of the joy that was to come; but I did not anticipate it. I was quite happy; I was quite at rest. I was always seeing a picture of that pure white flower, the lily.”

— Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre

 

In Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, lilies hold a significant place, symbolising purity, innocence, and the complex nature of love. Each time lilies are mentioned, they resonate with Jane’s character and the myriad challenges she encounters throughout the narrative. For instance, the white lilies often reflect her moral integrity and the deep desire for a life grounded in honesty and authenticity. Their delicate beauty stands in stark contrast to the harsh realities she faces at Gateshead, where she endures mistreatment, and at Thornfield, where her heart is put to the test amidst passion and betrayal.

Then there's her relationship with Mr. Rochester. When her feelings for him begin to blossom, the imagery of lilies captures the hope and excitement of newfound love. For example, the moment she first experiences love can be likened to a field of lilies in bloom, filled with promise and beauty. However, as their love story unfolds and becomes increasingly complicated by secrets, social class disparities, and Rochester’s hidden past, the lilies serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of love.

In modern literature, fans of The Goldfinch, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Donna Tartt, will notice that lilies play a significant role in the story, particularly as symbols of beauty and transience. One striking example occurs during a moment when the protagonist, Theo, reflects on his mother’s love for flowers, especially the lilies she adored. These flowers serve as a poignant reminder of his deep sense of loss after her death, representing both the fragile nature of life and the enduring memories of love that linger long after someone is gone.

“Yet but three come one more.

Two of both kinds make up four.

Here she comes, crowned with a hawthorn,

With sweet musk-roses and with elegant

Violets,

With purple columbines,

And all the rest of the flowers,

The pansies, love-in-idleness.”

— William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream (Act 3, Scene 1)

 

In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, pansies take on a playful and magical significance. Known as "love-in-idleness," these flowers are used by the Fairy King Oberon in his mischievous plan to make Titania, the fairy queen, fall in love with the first creature she sees upon waking. The pansies symbolise the unpredictable and often chaotic nature of love in this enchanted forest, where feelings can shift in the blink of an eye.

As Oberon sprinkles the flower’s juice, the scene bursts with a sense of magic and humour. The pansies embody the lightheartedness of young love, capturing the excitement and confusion that often accompany it.

Finally, let's turn our attention to Shakespeare’s Hamlet, pansies carry a deep weight, especially through the character of Ophelia. Pansies, which symbolise thoughts and memories, perfectly reflect Ophelia's state of mind as she grapples with the loss of her father and her tumultuous relationship with Hamlet. Each time she mentions them, it’s like she’s reaching out, trying to cling to the memories of happier times amid her unravelling sanity.

In John Everett Millais’s famous painting Ophelia, Ophelia’s pale skin contrasts sharply with the deep blues and greens of the river, accentuating her fragility. Her hair, adorned with wildflowers, cascades around her like a dark halo, intertwining her with the natural world, suggesting both her connection to life and her impending demise. The flowers — pansies, daisies, and violets — are meticulously rendered, each petal symbolising innocence, love, and sorrow.

As we’ve seen, flowers in literature are so much more than just pretty petals — they're symbols of deep emotions and pivotal moments. Whether it’s the passionate rose, the cheerful daisy, or the enchanting pansies from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, each bloom tells a story that resonates with love, heartache — and everything in between. Ophelia’s delicate pansies remind us of the fragility of life, while the lilies in Jane Eyre capture the bittersweet nature of love.

Feeling inspired? Why not bring a bit of that literary magic into your own life? At Eflorist, we’ve got a fabulous selection of flowers that can help you express your feelings or simply brighten up your day. Whether you're sending a sweet bouquet to a friend or treating yourself to something beautiful, we’ve got you covered.