Student Question
In "Breath, Eyes, Memory," what does Martine's shift from favoring daffodil yellow to red suggest?
Quick answer:
Martine's shift from favoring daffodil yellow to red symbolizes her internal conflict and trauma. Yellow represents hope and strength, akin to the daffodils that thrive in Haiti's harsh conditions, symbolizing resilience. In contrast, her attraction to red reflects her bitterness and the haunting memories of abuse by her mother and rapist. This color change highlights the deep emotional scars and unresolved issues Martine faces.
Martine loves the daffodil's that grow in Haiti. She appreciates them because they grow in a place that they aren't supposed. They've been brought to Haiti from European settlers, and should not be able to grow in the rough soil but do. Therefore, they are a symbol of strength, and the yellow is a symbol of hope, such as Martine's hope for her future. However, the red that draws her attention is indicative of the internal conflict she is suffering. She is haunted by the events that happened to her at the hands of her mother and her rapist, both of which abused her in sexual ways. The red represents these events and her remaining bitterness.
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