In Carol Shields' "Collected Stories," the protagonist offers an African violet as a symbolic gesture, though she doubts others grasp its deeper significance. This flower is particularly special because it requires specific care, needing to be watered from the bottom, which the author likens to the modern approach to writing sonnets. This analogy suggests that there are unconventional methods and underlying techniques in poetry that may not be immediately apparent.

By comparing the nurturing of an African violet to the crafting of sonnets today, Shields emphasizes the need for a thoughtful and attentive approach. Just as the flower thrives when treated correctly, the art of sonnet writing may also demand a rethinking of traditional methods. This insight speaks to the evolution of literary forms and the hidden complexities that characterize contemporary writing.