19th Century Short Stories – The Woman’s Rose

19th Century Short Stories – The Woman’s Rose The Woman’s Rose: ➔ ‘But no one has my rose’ –> Rose seems to be of great importance to her. Valued. However reason is unknown as of the start of the story. ➔ ‘Twelve years, comes back to me’ –> Rose even after so long, provides consolation and comfort to her. Suggestive of importance and value. ➔ ‘Spring cannot fail us’ –> The idea of the fact that even during dark times, there will always be hope present. ‘Spring’ is suggestive of hope and a new beginning. Literally; always be spring after winter. Metaphorically; There will always be hope after tough times. ➔ ‘She reigned alone’ –> Gives the girl a seemingly royal and powerful status. As ‘reigned’ is often associated with such. ➔ ‘I despised them’ –> She likes the attention, however is not serious about it. Seemingly shallow and demeaning behavior, putting the men down. ➔ ‘They had deserted her for me’ –> Ironical that she empathizes with the girl; feels guilty, and sorry for her. As she was here and had all the attention at first. ➔ ‘She and I never spoke to each other’ –> The narrator and the girl has no communication at all; setting up the idea of misunderstanding. ➔ ‘Dressed in pure white’ –> suggests purity, innocence. ➔ ‘my old black dress’ –> stark contrast to her. ➔ ‘How nice dark hair is’ –> She has no sign of hatred in her voice; genuine. ➔ ‘You are so beautiful to me’ –> She acknowledges her beauty; the conversation between them is incredibly genuine. No doubt in each others words. Realizes her misunderstanding. ➔ ‘Magnanimity’ –> Idea of comfort, restoring faith. Links back to the rose, symbolizing reconciliation. She was mistaken, but understands now.