The Symbolism of the Rose

Traces the rose as a symbol of love, memory, and resurrection throughout the story, from Lilias's garden to Colin's planting.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Lilias's Roses

Lilias's Roses A Garden of Love Lilias Craven loved roses. She planted them everywhere in her garden. They were her passion and her joy. The Broken Branch Lilias died when a tree branch broke while she was sitting on it. The roses became associated with her death. Mr. Craven could not bear to see them. Left to Run Wild For ten years, the roses grew untended. They climbed over walls and trees, becoming a tangled thicket. They symbolized neglect and grief.

Ben's Secret Pruning

Ben's Secret Pruning A Gardener's Loyalty Ben Weatherstaff secretly entered the garden to prune the roses. He could not let them die. His care kept them alive. Roses as Memory For Ben, the roses were a link to Lilias. He pruned them out of love. The roses survived because of his devotion. The Children Discover the Roses When Mary and Dickon enter the garden, they find the roses alive but overgrown. They begin to restore them. The roses are ready to bloom again.

The Rose Bush Colin Plants

The Rose Bush Colin Plants A Symbolic Act Ben brings a rose in a pot for Colin to plant. Colin sets it in the earth himself. This is his first act of gardening. Claiming the Garden By planting the rose, Colin claims the garden as his own. He is continuing his mother's work. The rose is a link between past and future. The Sun Sets Colin plants the rose just as the sun sets. He stands to watch the sun go down. The moment is magical—a new beginning.

Roses in Full Bloom

Roses in Full Bloom A Sea of Color By summer, the garden is filled with roses of every color. They climb over walls, trees, and arches. The garden is a paradise of roses. The Fragrance of Life The scent of roses fills the air. It is the smell of life and love. The garden has been resurrected. Lilias's Presence Mr. Craven, when he returns, sees the roses and feels Lilias's presence. The roses have become a memorial that celebrates life, not death.

ten years before the story

over the ten years

the day Colin stands up

summer