The Pattern of Perennial Plants
Life and death are two opposites that can be symbolized by one thing: flowers. One of the most beautiful forms of flora, flowers, embody a multitude of meanings. For example, a red rose represents love, and a purple hyacinth sorrow. Both are beautiful yet hold opposite meanings: a rose for life and a hyacinth for death. Such symbolism behind flowers is prominent in To Kill A Mockingbird, a novel by Harper Lee. These flowers give a deeper, darker insight into their caretaker's life, defying the traditional symbolism of such perennial plants. The novel takes place in Alabama, a state with soil so acidic it rivals the toxicity of racism that is prevalent within Maycomb County. One member of this county stands apart from the rest. With a robust bloom against the bias, Miss Maudie Atkinson's “character is a blend of shrewdness, humor, and compassion” (Bloom). She is known for carefully tending to her Azaleas, nurturing their blossoms. Even in the cold winter, she wrapped her azaleas “in burlap bags” (Lee 74). Atkinson, like her flowers, was raised and nurtured in the sour soil of Alabama; however, neither wilted and only grew stronger. Like an Azalea with raised roots, Maudie grew to stand above racism. This gave her a shrewd stance on important matters. With her strong will, she
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In the book, Calpurnia does not tend to any flowers. However, it can be inferred that the author cleverly named Calpurnia, an African American servant after an African flower. Like the buds that take time to flower, Calpurnia slowly teaches the Finch children important lessons. Showing them an inside view of the African American community to help Scout learn how to grow more ladylike. She slowly pollinates their heads with mature knowledge and a new perspective of their small-town world. Calpurnia is certainly tied into the symbolism of such