What was the significance of the amaryllis bulb? What did this plant represent to Rosie, and why did she give the name to her daughter?

Discuss the significance of the amaryllis bulb and its symbolism. What did this plant represent to Rosie, and why did she give the name to her daughter?

It represented hope to Roseanne and hope for her daughter.

I'm sure she clung to it for memories of Helen.

The plants renewal and rebirth each year made it a very powerful gift.

The Amaryllis flower begins as an unattractive bulb and grows into a beautiful flower. For Rosie, the Amaryllis signified hope for the future and beauty around us in the world despite the ugly.

The amaryllis is a beautiful symbol of hope for a better future--the ability to survive the darkness and emerge into a world of color and happiness.

Once Rosie was forced into domestic service in Truman's household, she had little of beauty to call her own. The amaryllis bulb became a symbol of hope for the future and it also symbolized the friendship between Rosie and Helen. I think she chose that name for her child in the hope that she would have a beautiful life after she was adopted.

When Rosie was a child, the amaryllis bulb represented beauty and a connection to Helen. I think it made Rosie feel like Helen saw her as an individual and that Helen knew this bulb and its flower represented beauty in a life that was sometimes filled with sadness and discouragement. I agree with the other responses that noted the bulb and flower represented hope and strength. I believe all of these reasons contributed to the reason Rosie chose the name Amaryllis for her daughter.

Rosie names her daughter Amaryllis because she sees her as a new bloom that has emerged from the dark insides of her body. She represents new life and new possibilities. Helen had given Rosie an amaryllis bulb years ago and its beautiful annual bloom reminded her of their connections to each other.

The bulb represents hope and strength to Rosie. Helen was the only person who actually cared for her so she wanted to pay a tribute to their friendship. She also wanted for her daughter to have the same ability as the Amaryllis. . . to survive the darkness of winter and bloom into a hopeful and strong young woman.

Page 119: "Beauty out of nothingness, hope out of the darkness."

I like your answer, bettyt.

I think, too, that it represents hope.

Rosie had not received gifts since her parents died. She cherished this thoughtful gift from Helen. It gave her hope that the future would be better for her and her daghter.

As others have mentioned, I believe the Amaryllis bulb signified the beauty of the darkness. What better way to show this than to give this name to her daughter.

Hope and the promise of rebirth/renewed beginnings.