In this book, flowers are used to represent the opposition between innocence and experience. May is always carrying white flowers, usually lilies-of-the-valley. In fact, Archer sends her a bouquet of these flowers every day of their engagement. White is traditionally symbolic of purity and virginity, and the lilies-of-the-valley act as a reminder of May’s state of innocence about sexual and worldly matters. The association between lilies-of-the-valley and May is strengthened by the flower’s scientific name, maialis, which translates to “of or belonging to May.” However, lilies-of-the-valley are also highly poisonous, which implies that May’s innocence, though beautiful in the eyes of society, can ultimately be more harmful than beneficial. Ellen Olenska, on the other hand, is associated with the yellow roses that Archer sends her. Though he considers sending them to May, he thinks their color is too strong for her, suggesting that they fit better with Ellen’s boldness and experience of the world. May and Ellen act as contrasting characters throughout the book, and their differences are symbolized by the flowers Archer gives each of them.
Flowers Symbol Timeline in The Age of Innocence
