I Am Watching You

Flowers are an important symbol and motif in the text, illustrating the impermanence of life and the possibility of hope in the face of despair. As a motif, flowers provide brief periods of relief against the grim reality of Anna’s tragic fate. The narrative uses vivid imagery to emphasize this sensory respite. For instance, this description of Ella preparing wedding centerpieces relies on color imagery: “red anthuriums, white roses, and Eustoma, against really glossy green foliage. It will look very striking with the white tablecloths and neutral room” (114). Apart from functioning as a motif, flowers and floral imagery are also key metaphors for hope, sanctuary, and creativity. Early in the novel, Ella describes how she has always been moved by flowers, finding joy in their colors and scents. Ella is also shown as her happiest when working with flowers, the systematic, creative work quieting the self-critical narrative in her head. Further, flowers represent the nurturing aspect of Ella and explain her investment in Anna’s case. Ella notes that she has “never forgotten the joy of learning to revive roses with fresh water…the miracle of them lifting up their heads again” (91).