In Margaret Atwood's novel "Cat's Eye," the narrator reflects on the tradition of boys sending corsages for dances. These floral gifts, though once vibrant, become mementos that lose their luster over time. They are stored away in her bureau drawer, symbolizing a collection of memories that are both cherished and decayed.

The imagery of "squashed carnations and brown-edged rosebuds" evokes a sense of nostalgia intertwined with the passage of time. These wilted flowers represent not only the fleeting nature of youth and romance but also the emotional burden that comes with preserving memories that are no longer alive.