Wisteria

Wisteria represents strength in the novel. There is a lot of wisteria on the Honeycutt’s property. Leroy has to fight it back because it is unruly and can take over crops. Ann Fay, however, finds it to be beautiful. Her father associates the flower with her because she, herself, is both beautiful and strong. She will have to show this strength when her mother stops being able to do what she needs to do during Bobby’s illness and after his death. Ann Fay eventually has to fight the vines back herself. She succumbs to polio as well, however, and there she also has to use her strength to get better. Ann Fay is closely affiliated with wisteria throughout the novel, demonstrating her strength.

Mimosa Tree

The mimosa tree represents fragility. Bobby admires the mimosa, but he has to be careful because the flowers are...