Given the following passage surrounding the Vietnam War Memorial:
"Flowers and other things have been laid against
the wall. There are little flags, an old teddy bear,
and letters, weighted with stones so they wont
blow away. Someone has left a rose with a droopy
head."
What are the symbols in the passage (beside the rose)? What does the rose symbolize with its droopy head?
To identify the symbols in the passage, let's analyze the objects mentioned and their possible connotations. In the given passage, the symbols include the little flags, an old teddy bear, letters weighted with stones, and the rose with a droopy head.
1. Little flags: The presence of little flags suggests patriotism and remembrance. They likely represent the national flag of the United States and signify honoring the servicemen and women who lost their lives in the Vietnam War.
2. Old teddy bear: The presence of an old teddy bear may symbolize innocence, comfort, and childhood. It potentially represents the loss of youth and innocence that occurred during the war, reminding viewers of the impact on families and loved ones.
3. Letters weighted with stones: The letters weighted with stones signify the desire to ensure they don't blow away. This symbolizes the importance of preserving memories and the weight of the emotions associated with the loss and grief experienced by the families and friends of the fallen soldiers.
4. Rose with a droopy head: The rose with a droopy head carries a more somber symbolism. The droopy head signifies sadness, grief, or mourning. It could represent the collective sorrow felt by those who visit the Vietnam War Memorial and commemorate the lives lost. The rose itself often symbolizes love, beauty, and remembrance, but in this context, its droopy head adds a poignant touch, acknowledging the mourning and sacrifice associated with the war.
Understanding the symbols in this passage allows one to appreciate the deeper emotions and messages conveyed through the objects left at the Vietnam War Memorial.