When considering why this character might be called Lily, we need to consider two things: the role the character plays, and the standard symbolism associated with flowers and especially lilies. Lily is buried in the mud. Only her head is exposed. The president calls her ‘‘an example to the nation,’’ but she doesn't know why. She's innocent, and after a few days, she dies.

Flowers are rooted in the dirt, like Lily. They live a brief time and then die. The lily is associated with purity and death, and these two factors shape Lily's life.