‘The Flowers’ is a short story by Alice Walker that
explores a young girl named Myop’s time as a child ending when she discovers the body of a violently murdered man
. This story’s setting is during the summer on a sharecropper’s farm, placing it after the American Civil War.
Why did MYOP lay down her flowers?
Why did MYOP lay down her flowers?
When Myop realizes that the man had been hanged, she “
laid down her flowers,” symbolizing the end of her happiness, innocence and childhood.
What does MYOP mean in the flowers?
Myop begins as an innocent girl who is naïve to her surroundings, and this could be related to her name. It is short for “
myopia
,” which is a term used to describe near- sightedness.
What is the significance of the flower imagery in the story?
Alice Walker uses imagery and diction throughout her short story to tell the reader the meaning of “The Flowers”. The meaning
of innocence lost and people growing up being changed by the harshness of reality
. The author is able to use the imagery to show the difference between innocence and the loss of it.
What might the flowers symbolize?
Flowers (symbol)
Flowers, which are mentioned often in this story, are symbolic of
Myop’s innocence
. She is just ten years old, and at the beginning of the story, she is still a careless child, who likes running in the woods, playing in the yard, and singing songs.
What flowers represent death?
- Black Rose. The black rose is actually an extreme shade of purple or red. …
- Chrysanthemum. This ancient flower is traditionally viewed as a death flower. …
- Red Poppy. Red poppies are the flower of remembrance of Veterans. …
- Yellow Flowers Meaning Death. …
- Dried White Rose.
How old is MYOP in flowers?
Myop. An innocent,
ten-year-old
black girl at the start of the story, enjoying a walk and gathering flowers on a nice day. She has no cares in the world and is happy. She discovers a dead man and is unafraid.
What does the pink rose represent when MYOP picks it?
“Stepping smack into his eyes,” Myop encounters death, but is unafraid as she “frees herself.” She is filled with innocent curiosity and gazes “around the spot with interest.” Ironically, as she picks her “wild pink rose,” a
symbol of beauty
, she spots the noose and has her epiphany.
Why was the story entitled The flowers?
The inclusion of flowers in the title is the
first suggestion of their importance
. Myop walks through the fields, woods, and all sorts of natural areas going her own way. She collects flowers as she goes. Flowers are often a symbol of youth and vitality as they flourish in spring.
What does benignly mean in the flowers?
Benignly.
Harmlessly
.
Keenness
.
Sharpness, Piercing or biting
.
What is the point of view in flowers?
Point of View
The Flowers is
a very short story written in the third person
. Due to the youth of the Myop, the reader is able to see the world through the innocent eyes of the child.
Who is the antagonist in the flowers?
Michelle Kaufman, M.A.
Racism
is the antagonist , the opposing force, in Alice Walker’s “The Flowers.” Myop begins the story as a carefree, cheerful young lady. Overall, she appears innocent and lighthearted as she goes for a walk by a nearby spring.
How does Alice Walker’s language change the mood of the story?
Alice Walker creates the mood in “The Flowers” by
using details of setting early in the story to establish an ominous mood
. Later, she juxtaposes images of innocence and evil to shift this mood to a bleak understanding of Myop’s loss of innocence.
What is the saddest flower?
Lilies can evolve the feeling of tranquility and lilies stand-in for the innocence that has been restored after death. Any species of the white lily can be given at a funeral service. However,
the white stargazer lily
is considered to the saddest flower for any bad news.
What is the flower of love?
The red rose
is known as the flower of love. The red rose symbolizes deep emotions and desires. Red roses are traditionally given to symbolize love, but aren’t the only ones to earn this title. Other types of love flowers include peonies, sunflowers, or tulips, which symbolize happiness, prosperity and romance.
What do flowers symbolize spiritually?
These flowers symbolize spirituality, deep feelings and beliefs of a religious nature, rather than the physical parts of life. Encourage someone’s spirit and inspiration about life.
