What is the symbol for Susan

Gender dynamics

The death of the father leaves the story with the symbolic overtone of role replacement. The novel is about filling a spot in the family's life that is left vacant when the father dies. This is a symbol for gender role, because the girls are left to try and solve these problems with the limited resources that their community affords them. They have to understand the dynamics of their situation while hoping to find the right guy for the job.

The symbol of hope

Susan's daughter is a symbol for Susan's hope. On a petty level, this has to do with money and prestige. She has been demoted by the death of her husband, so her daughter is her hope of restoration and a return to wealth. Then again, the symbol suggests a deeper meaning, because Susan's hope is her daughter in other ways too. Susan's own life is continued through her offspring, and she hopes her daughter will become a mother in a family all her own.

The allegorical politeness

The story has a layer of social nicety that is symbolic, because it portrays clearly the way that people behave according to their intention, hiding their true self in many cases. The politeness of the culture is an archetypal institution that allows them to go about getting what they want without breaking any rules. They are going about their animal instincts (mating, dancing) while moving under the guise of politeness.

The stupid lord

The symbol for poor management is the stupid young lord who doesn't really understand the way life works. In a way, that makes him perfect for manipulation, but it means he might fail at his role. The reader might see echoes in his character of Susan's own husband whose poor money management left her as a poverty-stricken widow, fallen from their height of luxury. The young man represents masculinity without responsibility, because he looks powerful, but isn't. He is not executive.

Black-eyed Susans are popular for their vibrant yellow color. Also known as Rudbeckia hirta, this popular wildflower from North America grows abundantly and adds a pop of color anywhere. A wide, open field covered by these striking flowers will surely make you pause and stare in awe. Here’s a look at their symbolism, meaning, and uses.

What are Black-eyed Susans?

The black-eyed Susan is so called because of its daisy-like flowers with dark brown centers. These plants can grow rather tall – up to 3 feet. Their leaves can also get as big as 6 inches, and their stalks can reach a length of 8 inches.

Black-eyed Susans typically bloom from June to October. They are long-blooming perennials that can produce beautiful flowers not only in summer but also in early autumn.

Why were black-eyed Susans named after Susan? The name was probably given to the plant by British colonists, who would have encountered the wildflower in the New World. But who Susan is exactly, we’ll probably never know.

Rudbeckia, the genus name for black-eyed Susans, was derived from the name of the Swedish father and son Olof Rudbeck the Elder and Younger, well-known scientists.

Queen Christina of Sweden was a staunch supporter of Olof Rudbeck the Elder’s work. He even managed to put up Sweden’s first botanical garden, which was originally named Rudbeck’s Garden. When he passed, his son continued his studies and became a famous professor and scientist.

Carolus Linneaus, the man behind the plant’s nomenclature, was one of Olof’s students and named the flowering species Rudbeckia to pay tribute to his teacher.

While black-eyed Susans may seem like a common weed that grows everywhere, their beauty sets them apart from other plants. Louis Comfort Tiffany, an American artist, immortalized black-eyed Susans by having them depicted on a Tiffany Lamp.

Meaning and Symbolism of Black-Eyed Susans

Black-eyed Susans have been considered the official flower of Maryland since April 1918.

• Resilience, Endurance, and Survival – Black-eyed Susans are Known for being highly adaptable and for surviving just about anywhere. They’re resilient plants that can thrive even in inhospitable environments. This beautiful wildflower last incredibly long, growing in front yards, roadsides, and even in pavement cracks. They have become perfect symbols of resilience, motivation and encouragement.

• Justice and Truth – After the flower has bloomed, the petals start to droop and expose the dark brown center. The way its center is exposed may also represent justice in a poetic way. Its golden petals shine a light to its otherwise dark center, similar to how justice brings light in the darkness. This light does not mean to condemn but encourages people to overcome and accept whatever darkness is inside of them.

Use of Black-Eyed Susans

Disclaimer

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The seeds of black-eyed Susans are poisonous so they are not used for cooking or in medicine. However, the flowers and roots of the plant are widely used in cosmetics and medicine.

North American tribes used black-eyed Susans to address various illnesses, from snake bites and wounds to parasitic worms. The Ojibwa, otherwise known as the Chippewa, used its roots to get rid of parasitic worms in children. They also used it as an external wash for snake bites.

Known for their diuretic properties, black-eyed Susan has been used by other tribes like the Potawatomi and Menominee to increase urine flow.

The juice taken from the plan’t roots has been used to treat earache and as a topical application to heal scrapes, sores, and cuts.

The strong medicinal properties of this wildflower have helped it maintain its timeless appeal over hundreds of years.

When to Give Black-Eyed Susans

Black-eyed Susans aren’t expensive, flashy flowers, but they are beautiful, simple, and symbolic blooms.

You can always give black-eyed Susans to someone going through a hard time. It’s a good idea to include the symbolism of the flower in a card along with the bouquet, so that it’s meaning isn’t lost to the recipient.

If you have a friend or any loved one who is new to gardening, black-eyed Susans are also perfect gifts. They are extremely hardy plants that can tolerate most conditions, so they are perfect for those who have just gotten into gardening. They grow fast as well so they can instantly add more color and pizazz to any garden.

Since black-eyed Susans are Maryland’s official state flowers they are perfect gifts for someone who has just moved to America. Friends and family visiting from other countries will appreciate a bundle of black-eyed Susans too.

Caring for Black-Eyed Susans

If you’re looking to plant black-eyed Susans in your garden, you’ve made a great choice, as these flowers are easy to look after, and the blooms look cheerful and pretty.

To  get the best results, it would be a good idea to plant black-eyed Susans from March to May. Their germination period is 7 to 30 days, so this gives you plenty of time to see them bloom from June to September. It’s also best to plan them in a moist, well-draining potting mix to avoid root rot.

Black-eyed Susans spread wide so planting their seeds closer will help prevent too much spreading. However, if you’re looking to make a border around your garden, it will be best to plant them further apart.

Check your plants every once in a while, to see if they need watering. Don’t let them dry out and keep their soil moist, not soggy. To see beautiful blooms all year round, remove dead or faded flowers and leaves.

Like other houseplants, black-eyed Susans are susceptible to certain pests and diseases as well. They are prone to mildew fungi so start using an organic antifungal spray if their leaves start turning brown. A combination of one tablespoon neem oil and one tablespoon castile soap in a liter of water is also a great way to prevent aphids and mealybugs,

Companion Plants

If you’re looking to plant black-eyed Susans in your garden or front lawn, this list of companion plants will help. Fountaingrass, coneflower, and Russian sage are all excellent choices because they complement the beauty of this popular wildflower.

Fountain Grass

Like most types of grass, fountain grass looks great against the backdrop of a golden sunrise or sunset. Its mesmerizing foliage and fuzzy plumes look great in late summer, with plumes ranging from red, pink, or white. Like black-eyed Susans, fountain grass also grows fast and self-seeds freely, so they are exceptionally easy to care for.

Coneflower

Purple coneflowers attract plenty of butterflies and birds. They have large flowers with drooping petals that look similar to daisies. They thrive in full sun and are resistant to most pests and diseases, making them every gardener’s dream plant. Their white or rosy purple color complements the golden color of black-eyed Susan’s flowers, making them a sight to behold when planted together.

Russian Sage

The silvery leaves and blue or lavender flowers of Russian sage make it look great with most flowers. Its aromatic leaves are a bonus too as they give gardens a refreshing smell. Like black-eyed Susans, they bloom for a long time, so you’ll definitely enjoy their pale blue flowers.

Black-Eyed Susan in Literature

Black-eyed Susan was the inspiration behind a popular poem that attempts to tell the story of two flowers – Sweet William and Black-Eyed Susan.  The English poem known as Sweet William’s Farewell to Black-Eyed Susan, was written by John Gay, one of the most famous poets of his time.

Several stanzas of the poem depict how William came aboard and bid goodbye to Susan. He promised that his love for her would stay true and that he would return when the time came. The first stanza goes like this:

‘ALL in the Downs the fleet was moor’d,

The streamers waving in the wind,

When black-eyed Susan came aboard,

‘Oh! where shall I my true love find!

Tell me, ye jovial sailors, tell me true,        

If my sweet William sails among the crew.’

This poem perfectly captures how seeding a wildflower like Sweet William with Black-Eyed Susans will give you beautiful blooms all year round. Since they are both biennials and they have complementing gold and bright red colors, they bloom beautifully when they’re together.

Wrapping Up

Black-eyed Susans are excellent symbols of motivation, resilience, and encouragement. A hardy plant that grows all year long, it is a great gift for someone who needs a reminder that they can pull through even the hardest of situations.

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