The Symbolism Of The Book 'Roses In The Novel'

To begin, I will be characterizing most of the characters and showing the symbol of the roses in this novel. Many of the characters in the book were kind. First off there was Martha who was kind to Mary in many ways. One of the ways was said “If you don’t trouble ‘em, most of ‘em’ll work away underground for a lifetime an’ spread out an’ have little ‘uns,” (Burnett 82). This context shows that Martha gives Mary information to help her succeed instead of helping her fail. Another time Martha is kind is stated “’ Martha’s mother sent me a skipping rope,’” (Burnett 117). Knowing this can show that Martha could have not given the skipping rope to Mary but she did which shows she is kind and caring to Mary. Secondly there is Dickon who is very kind

to Mary. He had a choice to not help Mary with her garden but he still helps her anyway. Ben Weatherstaff is another kind character. In the book he says, “’ Once or twice a year I’d go an’ work at ‘em a bit’” (Burnett 94). This can show that he does not think about himself but others because he wants the flowers to keep their beauty for others to see. Another evaluation is the symbol of the roses. First off, the roses are like a symbol of life. In the novel Mary asks, “‘do roses quite die when they are left to themselves,’” (Burnett 94). Roses can die just like people if they are left alone and not taken care of. The roses also can still be alive which is showed “’Wait till th’ spring gets at ‘em – wait till th’ sun shines on th’ rain and th’ rain falls on th’ sunshine an’ then tha’ll find out,’” (Burnett 94). Roses are a waiting game and if you wait long enough for the right time in life you will have a chance to see the beauty of it’s life. Dickon and Mary had worked at preserving the garden almost all the time and they cared for it tremendously. Having them work hard at the roses shows that if people work hard at their goals then they could achieve them. Along with that you also have to believe in nothing in order to create something. Overall, the characters in this novel are kind and the roses are a symbol for many ideas in life.