In Breath, Eyes, Memory, Danticat uses the daffodil to symbolize strength and perseverance in the face of hardship. These flowers “grew in a place that they were not supposed to” (Danticat 21). Although daffodils were originally European flowers adapted to growing in cold climates, they were brought to Croiz-des Rosets and a strain had developed which could withstand the heat. This symbolism is applicable to Sophie, who must move from her village to
Interestingly, Danticat also introduces the story about the people of Creation to readers. Although these individuals do not know who they are, they are “chosen to carry part of the sky on [their] head[s]” (25) because of their strength. Through this passage, there is further emphasis made on the fruition of Sophie’s conquest of adversity later in the novel.
I do agree that the symbol of the daffodils are very important in the novel. Even though we do not know much about the mother at first when Sophie is still living in Haiti the daffodils begin to play an important part in Sophies life as a young girl. The daffodils strengthen both Sophie, Atie, and Martine. The daffodils was a source of strength for Sophie through the stories of Atie and may have been the source of inspiration for Martine to go to New York. Even though life is not as grand in New York as the people in Haiti would like to think it may be the daffodils that encouraged Martine to keep working hard in order to get closer to the better life for her and her daughter.
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