Symbolism In The Winter Hibiscus

Throughout the excerpt ,“The Winter Hibiscus” Saeng and her mother have special feelings and thoughts toward a Hibiscus plant. The hibiscus plant symbolizes and remind Saeng of her grandmother. On the other hand, the hibiscus plant represents and gives strength to her mother. To begin with, the hibiscus plant has a very symbolic meaning to Saeng which is her grandmother. According to the excerpt, in lines 19-22 the text states “The familiar fragrance filled her lungs, and Sang could almost feel the light strands of her grandmother’s long gray hair, freshly washed, as she combed it out with the fine-toothed buffalo- horn comb…” The fragrance gave Saeng a reminder and feeling of her grandmother. The qualities of the hibiscus plant such as the touch, the feeling, and the smell all symbolized her grandmother. Another example, is in lines 25-27 the text states “But where was the fine- toothed comb?The hibiscus hedge?The well? Her gentle grandmother? A wave of loss so deep and strong that it

The Hibiscus plant symbolizes strength to her. For instance, the excerpt states “ I’ve seen this kind blooming along the lake. Its flowers aren’t as pretty, but it’s strong enough to make it through the cold months here, this winter hibiscus. That’s what matters.” The hibiscus plant protects them from the cold months. The mother feels a sense of safeness and protection. This plant makes her mother feel strong because she trusts that it will keep them strong during the cold months. As you can see, both mother and daughter each have different representations of the hibiscus plant. The hibiscus reminded Saeng of her grandmother however, the plant symbolized strength to Saeng’s mother. Even though, they both have different views of the Hibiscus plant they each view the plant as a positive aspect. The hibiscus plant brings her and her mother closer together building a precious bond over the