The Ways In Which Beatrice Is A Flower In 'Rappaccini's Daughter'

Ryan Kerr

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The Ways in Which Beatrice is a Flower in her Father's Garden

In Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Rappaccini's Daughter," the central character, Beatrice, is often compared to a flower growing in her father's garden. This metaphor is significant because it highlights Beatrice's beauty, innocence, and tragic fate. Through the use of the flower metaphor, Hawthorne reveals the depth of Beatrice's character and the complicated relationship she has with her father, Dr. Rappaccini.

The flower metaphor is first introduced in the opening paragraph of the story, where Hawthorne describes the garden in which Beatrice lives as "a bloody chamber" where "the plants have been nourished on poisonous juices" (Hawthorne 1). This description sets the tone for the story and establishes the idea that the garden is a dangerous and poisonous place. However, Hawthorne also notes that amid the toxic plants, there is a single "lovelier flower" that stands out from the rest (1). This flower is a symbol

For example, Hawthorne describes her as having "the freshness of an opening flower" and notes that her "beauty shone out like a star" (3). These descriptions emphasize Beatrice's delicate beauty and suggest that, like a flower, she is both fragile and resilient. The comparison to a star also suggests that Beatrice is a shining light in an otherwise dark and poisonous world.

Another way in which Beatrice is like a flower is in her innocence and purity. Flowers are often associated with innocence and purity, and Beatrice embodies these qualities. She has been sheltered from the outside world by her father and has never known anything beyond the garden. Her innocence is further emphasized by the fact that she is poisonous to the touch, and therefore, no one can approach her without risking their own life. Beatrice's innocence is a tragic quality, as it is ultimately what leads to her