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April 06, 2007
Dead Roses
When Paul D, Sethe and Denver go to the carnival, the narrator mentions dead roses: "All, like Paul D, were in high spirits, which the smell of dying roses (that Paul D called to everybody's attention) could not dampen" (57). This passage suggests that the foul smell had no affect on the people, so why mention it at all? Also, why would Paul D highlight the dying roses if he was trying to make the carnival a positive experience for Denver?
The roses not having an effect tells the reader about the people who attended the carnival. The carnival was for African-Americans, and they usually could not attend events like a carnival. Even though the smell was terrible, they were not going to let it spoil this rare opportunity. Ignoring the dying roses shows that everyone was really excited about the carnival because this special event overshadowed a bad smell.
But why would Paul D highlight something negative (the smell of dying roses) when he is trying to show Denver a good time? I think Paul D is not emphasizing that the roses smell terrible, but that they can be smelled. When a person is constantly working, they do not have time to "stop and smell the roses". Paul D is reminding everyone (especially Denver) how great it is that today they can take a break, and smell the roses.
Posted by carliner at April 6, 2007 04:44 PM