The Language of Flowers

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2011

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Symbols & Motifs

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Symbols & Motifs

Victoria’s Dictionary

Victoria is stunned to discover that Elizabeth’s version of the language of flowers is not comprehensive. However, she is unsatisfied with the dictionaries in the local library, finding their meanings contradictory. Similarly, she battles with Grant over flower meanings, until the latter presents her with a camera “‘For your dictionary’” (103). In the security of Grant’s flower garden, Victoria takes pictures of plants and develops her own vocabulary, constructing boxes of definitions which ultimately become the backbone of her own florist business.

The dictionary is the first project that Victoria has complete agency over. Although she bases her dictionary on existing dictionaries, she organizes the work, takes the appropriate pictures, and finalizes definitions for each flower. Prior to this project, choices were made for her, ranging from a childhood in the foster care system to being forced to make limited flower arrangements by demanding brides. By developing something entirely and uniquely her own, Victoria is given her first chance at creative freedom, empowering her to continue her pursuit.

The dictionary also represents Victoria’s ties to Grant, as it was not only his idea but also his camera that made it possible. The completion of the dictionary is paired with the consummation of Victoria and Grant’s relationship. With it, Victoria reaches a new level of comfort, as she often expresses that she hates people touching her. Victoria’s initial disappointment with the consummation changes over time as she and Grant grow more used to each other, physically and emotionally. The two copies of the dictionary remain together for the duration of their relationship, with Victoria removing her copy when she becomes pregnant—representing the distance between them. When Victoria moves back to the farm, she places the dictionaries together again, symbolizing reconciliation.

Food

Food plays an important role in Victoria’s decision-making and inspiration. She relays in a flashback that, as part of the foster care experience, food scarcity was a challenge to overcome. There was often not enough food for her, and guardians would sometimes use food (and food withdrawal) as a punishment. This, paired with Victoria’s financial insecurity as an adult, causes her to have an impressive appetite. Elizabeth, Grant, Renata, and Mother Ruby stand out as people who offer Victoria food without requiring something of her, and therefore establish themselves as trusted figures in her life.

Access to food means access to safety: Victoria’s growth can be traced through her access to food and who she eats with. As a child, she increasingly eats in Elizabeth’s presence, not always feeling the need to hide food in case it becomes restricted. She even allows Elizabeth to feed her in a moment of physical and emotional vulnerability. Later in the novel, Grant provides food for Victoria. While Grant’s meals start out as diner food and cans of soup, he eventually learns to cook to provide her with the pleasure of eating. Food becomes restricted with Victoria’s pregnancy. She makes significant sacrifices to ensure that her baby is well-fed, giving up her own safety for that of her child. However, Hazel is denied food when an overwhelmed Victoria flees. Victoria’s return results in her taking Hazel to Grant, believing herself incapable of providing safety.

Victoria’s eventual reconciliation with Hazel, Elizabeth, and Grant is tinged with food. Victoria and Hazel share ice cream in Elizabeth’s kitchen, and afterwards, the three examine the grape vines and test them for ripeness. Victoria moves back into Grant’s old apartment in time for Thanksgiving, a holiday that is traditionally paired with eating. Victoria’s food scarcity finally fades as she steps into her place within a family that will care for her, showcasing her transition into a more secure, self-assured version of herself.

Moss

Of the many plants that Victoria uses to communicate, moss becomes the most significant to her. She drapes Hazel’s basket in moss as she prepares to deliver her to Grant—an act of maternal love. Grant informs Victoria that moss grows without roots. This fact becomes increasingly significant the longer she ruminates on it. She realizes that motherhood and moss are connected, as they both grow without requiring a foundation. Victoria assumes she will “poison” Hazel with her imperfections—but when she learns that the symbol for maternal love stems from a plant that needs no foundation, she gains perspective on her own motherhood. While Victoria lacked a stable family to teach her things, this does not negate her ability to become a member of a new family. At the novel’s end, Victoria states that “Over time, we would learn each other, and I would learn to love her like a mother loves a daughter, imperfectly and without roots” (308). She acknowledges both her potential for mistakes and the power of love—one that can thrive even outside of a traditional family structure.