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What are the flowers that Ophelia uses in Hamlet?

Ophelia's flower choices in Hamlet are symbolic and full of meaning. Here's a breakdown:

Flowers mentioned by Ophelia:

* Rosemary: Represents remembrance and fidelity. Ophelia gives rosemary to her father, Polonius, saying "There's rosemary, that's for remembrance."

* Pansies: Represent "thoughts" or "thinking." Ophelia gives pansies to Gertrude, the Queen, potentially indicating her own troubled thoughts.

* Fennel: Associated with flattery and deceit. Ophelia gives fennel to Claudius, the King, possibly hinting at his treacherous actions.

* Columbines: Represent foolishness and infidelity. Ophelia gives columbines to Laertes, her brother, which could refer to her own lost sanity or perhaps a hint at the King's betrayal.

* Rue: Represents regret and sorrow. Ophelia carries rue, saying "There's rue for you; and here's some for me: we may call it herb-grace o' Sundays."

* Daisy: Represents innocence and purity. Ophelia mentions daisies, which could be a contrast to the dark events of the play.

Flowers in the description of Ophelia's death:

* Violets: Represent faithfulness and humility. Ophelia is said to have "fantastic garlands" woven with violets, perhaps representing her innocence and purity in death.

* Willow: Represents sorrow and mourning. Ophelia is found drowned in a brook, with willow branches draped over her.

Other possible flowers:

* Some texts suggest Ophelia might also have held rue in her hand. Rue is associated with sorrow and repentance, further adding to Ophelia's tragic state.

* Rosemary is sometimes mentioned as being part of Ophelia's garland, further highlighting the theme of remembrance.

It's important to remember that the specific flowers mentioned can vary depending on the particular edition of Hamlet. However, the symbolism and significance of the flowers remain largely consistent. Ophelia's flower-laden appearance serves as a poignant reminder of her innocence, lost sanity, and tragic fate.

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