Flowers in The Summer I Turned Pretty
Flowers in The Summer I Turned Pretty (Books)
In Jenny Han's novels, flowers are more than mere decorative elements; they serve as potent symbols reflecting the characters' emotions and relationships.
Daisies: Often associated with purity and innocence, daisies symbolize the blossoming of Belly's feelings and the simplicity of her early experiences at Cousins Beach.
Hydrangeas: These flowers represent gratitude and understanding. Their presence in the narrative underscores the deepening connections and the complexities of the characters' relationships.
Orchids: Symbolizing rare beauty and strength, orchids reflect the unique and enduring nature of Belly's bond with Conrad.
These floral symbols enrich the narrative, adding layers of meaning to the characters' journeys and emotional growth.
Flowers in The Summer I Turned Pretty (TV Series)
In the Amazon Prime Video adaptation, flowers continue to play a significant symbolic role, with Season 3 introducing more nuanced floral motifs.
Season 3: Floral Symbolism and Color Themes
Blue and Red Flowers: The contrast between blue and red flowers mirrors the emotional tension between Belly's relationships with Conrad and Jeremiah. Blue flowers often appear in scenes with Jeremiah, symbolizing calmness and stability, while red flowers are associated with Conrad, representing passion and intensity.
The Single Red Flower: In Episode 6, a solitary red flower among a sea of blue hydrangeas near Conrad's beach house signifies Belly's lingering feelings for Conrad amidst her engagement to Jeremiah.
Conrad's Floral Gesture: In Episode 7, Conrad arranges hydrangeas in a vase, emulating his late mother Susannah's tradition. This act symbolizes his growth and the enduring influence of his mother's love.
The Language of Flowers (Floriography)
The concept of floriography, or the language of flowers, adds depth to the symbolic use of flowers in literature and media. Each flower carries specific meanings:
Red Roses: Love and passion
White Lilies: Purity and renewal
Yellow Chrysanthemums: Optimism and joy
In The Summer I Turned Pretty, the strategic use of flowers aligns with these traditional meanings, enhancing the storytelling by visually representing the characters' emotions and relationships.
Flowers in The Summer I Turned Pretty serve as powerful symbols, reflecting the characters' inner worlds and the evolving dynamics of their relationships. From the novels to the TV adaptation, the thoughtful incorporation of floral motifs enriches the narrative, offering viewers and readers a deeper understanding of the emotional landscapes of Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah.
