Flower Symbolism in Hamlet Act 4, Scene 5 Remember when Ophelia gave away rosemary, pansies, fennel, columbines, rue (herb of grace), daisies, and violets? There is no question that this is a famous and important scene, but critics do disagree on its interpretation. We know what characters are present to receive the flowers: King Claudius, Queen Gertrude, Laertes, and Horatio (in the wings). Who do you see getting which flowers? Why? Consider these varying ideas of what flowers represent and try to come to your own interpretation of the scene. Base your decision on what you have already learned about each character. (Note: Elizabethans were accustomed to emblematic usages. Therefore, the audience would understand that Shakespeare was using Ophelia's madness and flower-giving to convey a deeper meaning--what rational conversation could not.) Source: Source: http://www.homewood.k12.al.us/~sstabler/tut/tutorial.html Flower Rosemary: Pansies: Fennel: Symbolism remembrance, normally associated with remembrance of the dead at funerals, but also remembrance between lovers. thought-French for thought is pensees; Pensar is "to think" in Spanish ; when we say someone is pensive we mean that the person is thoughtful and contemplative. marital infidelity, cuckoldry Columbines: flattery- insincerity culminating in dissembling and pretense (or) ingratitude, thanklessness Rue: (also "Herb Of Grace") repentance (or) sorrow Daisy: forsaken love, unhappy love Violets: Faithfulness Which flower(s) fit the following characters? King Claudius, Queen Gertrude, Laertes, Ophelia and Horatio Flower Rosemary: Symbolism remembrance, normally associated with remembrance of the dead at funerals, but also remembrance between lovers. Pansies: thought-French for thought is pensees; Pensar is "to think" in Spanish ; when we say someone is pensive we mean that the person is thoughtful and contemplative. Fennel: marital infidelity, cuckoldry Columbines: flattery- insincerity culminating in dissembling and pretense (or) ingratitude, thanklessness Rue: (also "Herb Of Grace") repentance (or) sorrow Daisy: forsaken love, unhappy love Violets: Faithfulness Character