In D. H. Lawrence’s short story, “Odour of Chrysanthemums,” Lawrence has chrysanthemums as a major symbol all throughout the story. The chrysanthemum, like most other flowers, has a universal symbolism of happiness and hope. While, in “Odour of Chrysanthemums,” Lawrence created his own interpretation of what the chrysanthemum can represent. Although, this individual symbol of the chrysanthemum in Lawrence’s short story is truly complicated, unlike the universal interpretation. In “Odour of Chrysanthemums,” the chrysanthemum has mixed symbolism of representing unpleasantness as well, as moments of harmony. These moments of bliss reaffirm the chrysanthemum universal symbolism, while the moments of unhappiness reaffirm how the flower can represent sadness and anger. Due to the nature of flowers with their frivolousness and aesthetic beauty, they have always and will always be known as representing life. These marvelous plants have always had a way to speak the universal language of love and hope to people. The chrysanthemums are no different, with their universal symbolism of optimism and friendship, as well as happiness and hope. Flowers tend to be a large part of weddings and the birth of children. This was no exception in “Odour of Chrysanthemums,” where Elizabeth Bates received “chrysanthemums when she married [her husband], and chrysanthemums when [her child] was born.” (Page 2249) Although these two times would probably constitute as the best days of Elizabeth’s life, she sees the chrysanthemums as a reminder of her failing marriage with her husband as well as the children they produced from her emotionless relationship. As a great contrast to the joyful universal symbolism, Lawrence decided for this particular flower to represent melancholy and misery as well as Elizabeth’s failing marriage with her husband. Various examples can be seen throughout the short story such as when Elizabeth found her son Jo