Themes and message

Loss of innocence

The short story “The Flowers” by Alice Walker explores the theme of loss of innocence. The theme is explored through Myop, the main character, who symbolically loses her innocence when she discovers the body of a man who was violently killed by hanging and decapitation. 

At the beginning of the story, Myop, a 10-year-old girl, is presented doing typical child-like activities, like exploring the surroundings of her home, and playing with chickens and with sticks (p. 107, ll. 6-10). Myop’s innocence can also be seen through her curiosity and fascination with nature (p. 107, ll. 15-17). She seems unaware of her racial identity or of the poverty in which her family probably lives.

Once she discovers the dead body, Myop is startled, but not afraid. She still displays child-like curios...