In Shakespeare's writing, plants seem to be embellishments of the story, but they often drive the plot forward: Juliet takes belladonna and fakes death to survive; Romeo falls in love and dies in aconitum; when the yew appears, it indicates that someone is going to be poisoned... As Victor Hugo said: "In Shakespeare's work, the birds are singing, the shrubs are pulling leaves... The forest whispered, and people talked on their knees. ”
The mystery of Shakespeare, only plants can be revealed. In Shakespeare's Botanical Poems, the author, Gretel Quarry, and the painter Hasegawa Sumido-Collins spent 20 years studying Shakespeare's works, picking up more than 170 kinds of plants scattered in Shakespeare's works with rigorous evidence and elegant drawings.
The following is a selection of 16 common flowers from Shakespeare's works, as in Shakespeare's dialogue in The Story of Winter: "This is for you flowers, warm lavender, mint, peppermint, and ink horn orchid." ”
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01
Broom
Leave your lovers who are lost in love
The plantagenet bush that lingers beneath it.
- The Tempest, Act IV, Scene I
I was ordered to come with a broomstick,
Clean the dust inside and outside the door.
- The Fifth Act, Scene 1 of A Midsummer Night's Dream
Yes, I do.
I can sing Plantagenet and Good Robin.
Aren't you a tailor?
—— "Two Noble Relatives" Act IV, The First Scene
The flowering shrub of the Plantagenet is both humble and vaguely noble in Shakespeare's work. Native to the wilderness, plantagenets have a sweet scent and bright golden flowers that appear only once in The Tempest. The line in A Midsummer Night's Dream where Force uses it to sweep the floor is also included on this page (but the line "Brooms are practical" is omitted), because even as an elf, Force is less likely to use this beautiful plant as a broom. The Old Latin name for Planta genista is "Planta genista", from which the famous British "Plantagenet Dynasty" is derived. Members of the Plantagenet Dynasty appear in six of Shakespeare's historical plays, including Richard Plantagenet, or Richard III (whose remains were exhumed in a local parking lot in Leicester and, for some British historians, the largest discovery of the 21st century).
02
Chamomile (Camomile)
Although the more chamomile is stepped on, the faster it grows,
But the more youth is wasted, the easier it is to pass.
— Henry IV Part I, Act II, Scene IV
Chamomile (transformed into Chamomile) is a 16th-century ground cover plant that is an aromatic herb with a soothing effect. In the 10th century, the Anglo-Saxon herbological book Healing mentioned nine magical herbs, with chamomile ranking fifth. It symbolizes energy and humility, because the more it is trampled, the faster, stronger, and more fragrant it will grow.
03
Carnations
Gillyvors
The most beautiful flowers are our carnations and fragrant caryophyllus,
Some call the latter the illegitimate children of nature.
- "Winter's Tale" Act IV, Scene IV
Then in your garden a variety of fragrant caryophyllus,
Don't call them bastards.
- "Winter's Tale" Act IV, Scene IV
He just can't stand the "carnation color",
He had always hated this color the most.
— Henry V, Act II, Scene III
Please sir, a reward is ok
How many carnation-colored ribbons to buy?
- The Futility of Love, Act III, Scene I
Caryophyllus flowers are lightly fragrant.
——The first act of "Two Noble Relatives", the first scene
The color of carnation carnations (light or dark roses) is mentioned twice in Shakespeare's works, and Falstaff hated the color, but Kostad wanted a ribbon of this color (it was a popular color in the court, and during queen Elizabeth's reign, carnation-colored clothes were given more than a hundred times). As a flower, carnations appeared in Pandita's speech alongside the caryophyllus (i.e., the Julyflower) and were described as "nature's illegitimate children". Although plant grafting is considered blasphemous and contrary to the laws of God and nature, Pendita's future father-in-law, in a metaphorical line, promotes the practice of combining nature and art through grafting. Both flowers are of the genus Pinks (also meaning "pink"), which Romeo and Mauscio used to play word games when they told vulgar jokes.
04
Crow-flowers
There, she used crow flowers, nettles, daisies
Some beautiful wreaths were woven with purple orchids.
— Hamlet, Act IV, Scene VII
In the Crow Flower Hamlet, Queen Gertrude mentions this flower when she describes the garland made by Ophelia. Exactly what plant it was planted has been a mystery, but Gerald believes it should be Ragged-robin, an elaborate wetland flower.
05
Cuckoo-buds
Variegated daisies, blue violets,
Beauty shirt pure silver white,
A piece of delicate yellow buds,
It was pleasant to paint the prairie.
- Act V, Act II of The Futility of Love
Cuckole is a buttercup native to England.
06
Lavender (Lavender)
This is the flower for you,
Warm lavender, mint, peppermint, marjoram.
- "Winter's Tale" Act IV, Scene IV
Lavender was very popular during the Elizabethan period, with elaborately designed gardens. This garden has a neat geometric design that allows the owner to plant exotic flowers and grasses into neat hedges to show people, and lavender is very popular in this garden. Lavender is also a herb that removes odors and refreshes the taste of washed clothes. Washed sheets are laid out on lavender to dry and absorb its fragrance. Pendita calls it "a warm lavender" because it thrives more in hot environments.
07
Yellow Daffodil
Narcissus
When the yellow daffodil suddenly blooms,
The valley is also full of turmoil,
Ah, the best time of the year.
- Act IV, Scene III of Winter's Tales
The yellow daffodils bloomed before the swallows dared to return,
Greet the March wind with beauty.
- "Winter's Tale" Act IV, Scene IV
They all wear garlands of yellow daffodils on their heads.
—— "Two Noble Relatives" Act IV, The First Scene
- This garden has exotic flowers and plants from all over the world. What is this flower?
- This flower is called Narcissus, Miss.
Isn't that the name of the pretty boy?
But he is also a fool who only loves himself, is it because there are not enough women?
- Act II, Act II, Scene II
Yellow daffodils are a wild forest flower that is planted in delicate gardens to add color. The plant blooms very early, and daffodil blooms are always a pleasant harbinger of the arrival of spring. But because "Narcissus" is from the narcissistic Narcissus of Greek mythology, the flower also represents stupidity.
08
Daisies
Variegated daisies, blue violets,
Beauty shirt pure silver white...
- Act V, Act II of The Futility of Love
There's a daisy here.
- Hamlet, Act IV, Scene V
There, she used crow flowers, nettles, daisies
Some beautiful wreaths were woven with purple orchids.
— Hamlet, Act IV, Scene VII
Let's find a land where the daisies bloom the most lovely,
Dig a grave for him with our spears.
- Act IV, Act II of "Sim Bailin"
Her other hand, hanging quietly and low by the edge of the bed,
Reflecting the pale green sheets, it looks white and delicate,
Like a April daisy,
Spit out Fangfei in the grassland.
- "Lucreth"
The petals of the odorless daisies are elegant.
——The first act of "Two Noble Relatives", the first scene
Daisy daisies are native to the UK and bloom between spring and summer. Daisies represent freshness, innocence and humility, but because of the short flowering period, it also represents mourning, sadness and death.
09
Iris (Flower-de-luce)
What do you say about my beautiful iris?
— Henry V, Act V, Scene II
and various lilies,
Iris is also among them.
- The Story of Winter, Act IV, Scene V
The iris coat of arms embroidered on your armor has been cut off from the tip,
The coat of arms of England has been cut in half.
— Henry VI Part I, Act I, Scene I
I'm ready. This is my sharp sword,
On both sides are engraved a pattern of five irises.
— Henry VI Part I, Act 1, Scene 2
Since I have a soul, I must master the imperial staff,
I also have to play with the Iris of France at the head of the staff.
— Henry VI Novella, Act V, Scene I
The word iris may refer to many kinds of lilies and irises, which are the flowers on the coat of arms of France. Although the French word "lys" does mean lily, the iris has always been a royal symbol. Edmund Spencer, Francis Bacon, and Ben Johnson all mentioned Flower-de-luce as an iris. It represents faith, valor and wisdom, and is itself well suited to heraldry, regardless of whether it is a lily or iris.
10
Chimney (Fumiter)
His head was covered with foul-smelling chimneys and plough grass.
- King Lear, Act IV, Scene IV
On that fallow land,
Only to see poisonous wheat, poisonous parsley, and vine-growing chimneys,
Got to its feet and took root.
— Henry V, Act V, Scene II
The chimney is a beautiful but undesirable weed because it spreads and engulfs the entire cropland.
11
Furze
In this way, I confused their ears,
Make them like calves following the cow's cry,
Walked with me through a cluster of fanged nozi,
Biting thorn beans and sharp bushes of thorns,
Pierce their poor shins.
- The Tempest, Act IV, Scene I
Now I am really willing to exchange a thousand acres of seawater for an acre of wasteland,
Ou Shi Nan, Jing Dou, everything is good.
- The First Act of The Tempest, The First Scene
Thorn beans are the "Furze" and "Goss" scattered on the desert island of Prospero in The Tempest. Because these dense, sharp, sprawling shrubs thrive rapidly on acidic soils and wilderness, Shakespeare emphasized their tenacious and wild properties.
12
Harebell
You will not lack primroses as white as your face,
There will be no shortage of bluebells like your veins.
- Act IV, Act II of "Sim Bailin"
Bluebells has been a matter of opinion about what Shakespeare's "Harebell" means: Is it the Bluebell that blooms with The European Primrose? Or is it wild Hyacinth, commonly known as "Hareball", which does have vascular veins on its petals? We choose to keep his original text because, as later, Shakespeare usually knows best.
13
Honeysuckle
Woodbine
14
Marigold/Calendula
（Marigold / Mary-bud）
...... Fell asleep with the sun and cried again
The marigold that rises with it,
These are midsummer flowers.
- "Winter's Tale" Act IV, Scene IV
Purple violet, golden marigold,
Like a brocade carpet,
At the end of summer, spread out in front of your grave.
— Prince Of Thiel, Act IV, Scene I
The princes' favorites stretched out their golden branches and jade leaves,
But just like the marigold in front of the sun,
Once Long Yan was angry, he would die,
And their glory disappears.
- Sonnet 25
Her eyes are like marigolds,
Has put away the brilliance,
Fall asleep in the darkness,
Wait to open up to do the daytime embellishment.
- "Lucreth"
On the occasion of calendula,
Open your golden eyes.
—— "Xin Bailin" Act II, Scene III
Marigolds open in front of the bed on the deathbed.
——The first act of "Two Noble Relatives", the first scene
Marigold/Calendula "Mary-bud" is Clauden's name for marigold in The Simberian. Marigolds have a wonderful property that they open and wither with the sun, so the name is sometimes used to refer to all flowers with similar habits. The plant was also used as a raw material for hair dyeing at the time, and it was also a cheaper food seasoning and dye than saffron. It is often associated with death, rebirth, and hope.
15
Rosemary
Also translated as "Rosemary Flower"
It's rosemary, and it represents memory.
Lover, please remember...
- Hamlet, Act IV, Scene V
These two bouquets of rosemary and rue are for you,
Their color and aroma do not dissipate in winter.
May God bless you both, and may you never be forgotten!
- "Winter's Tale" Act IV, Scene IV
Ah, come on, your plate is again
Rosemary is another chastity dish of laurel!
— Prince Pericles, Act IV, Scene VI
There were many crazy men in this place,
They shouted loudly, with needles, wooden cones,
Nails, rosemary branches,
The stab was on their numb and stiff arms.
- King Lear, Act II, Scene III
Wipe away your tears,
Bring your rosemary
Put it on this beautiful corpse.
— Romeo and Juliet, Act IV, Scene V
The Latin name rosemary "Rosmarinus" means dewdrops of the sea, as this versatile herb has a captivating aroma and can be eaten, medicinally used or used for makeup. When Shakespeare mentioned it, he mostly referred to it as a memory-related herb. Its aroma contributes to energy recovery and can enhance memory. Similar to plants with buds or button-shaped flowers, inserting rosemary in a buttonhole or pocket can make a couple's date more memorable. It also symbolizes memories of deceased relatives and friends, and some people even rub it on the top of the head to remind the hair to grow.
16
Saffron/Saffron
You use your saffron-colored wings,
Sprinkle Ganlin on my flowers.
- The Tempest, Act IV, Scene I
Is it this guy with a yellow face like a saffron
Drinking and having fun at my house today?
- The Comedy of Error, Act IV, Scene IV
I'm going to buy some saffron pollen to color the pear cake.
- Act IV, Scene III of Winter's Tales
No, no, no, Ling Lang was seduced by that scoundrel,
That's how it goes. The guy was like a saffron,
If not removed for a day, the young people of the whole country who are as white as paper will be dyed by him.
- Act IV, Scene V
Saffron/saffron requires nine saffron orange-red or vermilion stigmas to produce one grain (0.0 648 g) of high-quality dried crocus, that is, four thousand saffron flowers to make an ounce of dried crocus. This is why the price of saffron remains high, but it is still an affordable choice for gold decorations for manuscripts compared to gold leaves. Marigolds, on the other hand, are cheaper alternatives to color food. Saffron Walden in the Essex region is named after the abundance of saffron, as is Saffron Hill in London's Camden region.
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