dandelions

=__Dandelions__=

Dandelions can serve as a metaphor for Pecola’s place in the black community. Dandelions are weeds, and in a way Pecola is seen as a weed within her community. The people around look down upon her – they even go as far as to blame her for being raped by her father. On the other hand, dandelions can also be a source of comfort. Legend has it that if you blow on a dandelion until all the florets are gone while making a wish, that wish will come true. Pecola serves a similar purpose in her community; the absolute misery she goes through every day – having no friends, being ugly, being raped by her own father – comforts the people around her by making their lives seem bearable and even joyous in comparison. Claudia even says once “even her waking dreams we used - to silence our own nightmares”. (p. 205)