The Flowers Setting & Symbolism

The Flowers Objects/Places

Flowers

Wild flowers of different colors are being picked by Myop. The flowers represent innocence, life, and the beauty of life.

Dead man

The dead man represents death, and shows that even though he was once a big, strong man, this had no bearing on preventing his own death.

Noose/rope

The noose/rope used to kill the dead man symbolizes the existence of evil.

Mexico

At first, Mexico is the place the professor plans to go after he leaves Mississippi. He believes the beauty of Mexico will take some time for him to recognize. However, the professor starts fantasizing that he takes Harriet with him and dreams about lying with her and giving her his love. By the end of the story, Mexico is no longer the place he can escape to, due to his dreams about taking Harriet, he now must look further south.