Well, it sure has been a bit since my last flower talk. Let’s fix this by talking about the next flower Ophelia hands out, shall we? According to Jessica Roux’s Floriography, pansy (viola tricolour var. hortensis), also known as “Johnny Jump Up, heartsease, tickle-my-fancy” and other names (Wikipedia) was given the meaning “You occupy my thoughts” …
Let’s take our first look into Ophelia’s flowers with rosemary, since it’s the first flower she hands out in Act IV scene v. According to the language of flowers, rosemary (salvia rosamrinus), which is also known as “compass weed, incensier, [and] pilgrim’s flower” (Inkwright 133) has often been associated with remembrance and wisdom (Roux 152). …
I’ve been interested in Floriography, or the Language of Flowers since I read Hamlet in grade twelve and learned that flowers have meanings. It’s taken me quite a few years to actually read a book on it but this one certainly won’t be my last.
Sarah O'Connor 