Rue

Rue





Symbolic Value It is herb of [|rememberance]and symbolizes warding off and healing. Physicians used it to protect against plaques and pestilence, poisons and fleas. It was also thought to improve eyesight and creativity. Rue is also thought to be a symbol of [|loss], regret and bitter lessons. It got the name "[|herb of grace]" because it was used as a tool for asperaging during exorcisms and before performing Mass.

We believe that Ophelia gave the flower to herself. Because rue symbolizes remembrance and protection, this may mean that Ophelia wanted protection from something. There is also textual support of Ophelia giving rue to herself and one other person, "There's rue for you, and here's some for me:" Act 4. Scene. 5 Line 205 Ophelia could also have given the rue to Claudius because rue also symbolizes loss, regret and bitter lessons. (Claudius killed his brother Hamlet and married his wife). Plot to //Hamlet// [|here].
 * Who was the flower given to?**