The day before, there was a heavy storm, which prevents the fields from being plowed. Thus, Frank is not present, leaving Marie and Emil alone to talk. This rainstorm has also allowed for a blooming set of flora in the backyard, leaving “the orchard a neglected wilderness,” (58). This environment full of lush fruit and flourishing flowers allows for vivid imagery, along with a not so subtle allusion to the biblical Garden of Eden. There are numerous varieties of plants in the scene, all fulfilling a different symbolic purpose that is relevant to the situation. In essence, there are two categories of plants when it comes to their overarching symbols: love and/or sexuality, and divinity. The most obviously significant allusion found in the flora is seen in Marie’s white mulberry tree. The tree alludes to the Roman poet, Ovid, as well as the many who use his work as inspiration (most famously Shakespeare), and symbolizes young, forbidden love, which ends in tragedy. Cather places these two lovers under the tree to illustrate the sin that their adulterous love entails, in addition to foreshadowing the