Crocus Flower

"Then for that moment she had seen an illumination; a match burning in a crocus; an inner meanig almost expressed." (32)

The growth of the crocus petals are sensitive to heat. On warm days the flower opens up, due to the cells of the inside of the flower growing faster than the cells on the outside petals. When the air is cold the outer surface of the petal's grow faster than the cells on the innersurface, so the flower closes up. The match in the crocus flower keeps the flower warm so it stays open. The fire symbolizes the passion Clarissa had for Sally. When Clarissa was around Sally she was an open flower and felt as if she were at the peak of her life. The match for Richard is not ignited and does not keep her open and alive. She is closed off from Richard because they do not have a strong sense of communication.

~Hangarter, Roger."Crocus Flower" Plants in Motion. 2000. September 29, 2008.