There are different elements that make up a fairy tale. Some of these elements are specific details so demanding that the interpretation of a story can be reversed to an entirely different meaning. One of the most famous elements in fairy-tale literature is the rose. The rose has always been a symbol of romance and love. However, there are many different types of roses and some species are native only to certain areas. So in addition to the fact of the species and the place, we must also take into account the symbolism of the color, which also varies from culture to culture. These definitions of this ancient symbol, the rose, evolved over time as cultures came into contact with what we now call the Language of Flowers. This “language” first appeared in the East and was used as a form of silent communication among illiterate women in harems. During the Victorian era this form of communication began to move towards Western Europe. The first compilation of this language was written in French and was later translated into English. (Seaton, ).The Victorians used this new method of communication to express love, grief, and more through the flowers they grew and bought. This language of flowers or rather the use of flowers to symbolize different messages can certainly influence a story if you know this method and choose to interpret it this way. Three fairy tales that contain the element of the rose are: Rose-Elf by Hans Christian Anderson, Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, and Beauty and the Beast by Mme Le Prince de Beaumont. Interpreting details within a fairy tale can change the meaning or purpose of a tale. Understanding the meaning of a rose in a story can give a better......middle of the card......the true meaning of the rose can be found in its condition, color and type. The meaning or definition of the rose or roses is found in the language of flowers (also known as floriography) and can change an important ideal in the life of a character and an author. Works Cited Seaton, Beverly. The Language of Flowers: A History: Victorian Literature and Culture Series. Charlottesville and London: University Press of London, 1995. Print.Greenaway, Kate. The language of flowers. New York: Dover Publications, 1992. Print.Connolly, Shane. The secret language of flowers. New York: Rizzoli International Publications, 2004. Print.Anderson, Hans. Wonderful stories for children. London: Chapman and Hall 186 Strand, 1846. 64-75. eBook.Griffith, John and Charles Frey. Classics of children's literature. 6th ed. New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2005. 21-29, 322-374. Press.