The Secret Life of Sunflowers

Violet gives Emsley a pair of sunflower earrings, explaining that her love of sunflowers is due to their ability to endure in any condition, no matter the soil or water. They are a hardy flower that thrives wherever it is planted, even where other flowers cannot. Emsley instantly recognizes the connection of sunflowers to van Gogh (before having learned of Johanna’s diary or the family connection to him). In this way, Violet encourages Emsley to persevere no matter the challenges. After Violet’s death, Emsley will be challenged to keep her business afloat, but through Perseverance Through Adversity, she will succeed against the odds.

Johanna learns from Theo that, for Vincent, sunflowers meant gratitude. His five sunflower paintings were painted when he lived in Arles. Van Gogh intentionally used only shades of yellow because he wanted to demonstrate that a complete painting could be made with a range of only a single color. At this time, van Gogh was living with Paul Gaugin and receiving financial support from Theo (“Sunflowers.” Van Gogh Museum). The reasons for Vincent’s gratitude are open to interpretation. In the novel, however, Emsley often mentions her gratitude for Violet. Violet not only has been a loving and supportive force in Emsley’s life but also has supported charities and other artists through her patronage.