You're beautiful, but you're empty...One couldn't die for you. Of course, an ordinary passerby would think my rose looked just like you. But my rose, all on her own, is more important than all of you together, since she's the one I've watered. Since she's the one I put under glass, since she's the one I sheltered behind the screen. Since she's the one for whom I killed the caterpillars {except the two or three butterflies}. Since she's the one I listened to when she complained, or when she boasted, or even sometimes when she said nothing at all. Since she's my rose.
The quote expresses a profound sense of connection and love that the narrator feels towards his rose, emphasizing the importance of personal relationships over superficial beauty. While the rose is seen as beautiful by outsiders, it is the care and attention given to this specific rose that imbues it with significance. The narrator's actions—watering, protecting, and listening—demonstrate a deeper emotional investment that transcends mere appearance.
This sentiment contrasts sharply with the idea of emptiness in beauty. The ordinary passerby's inability to see beyond the surface highlights how easily people overlook the unique bonds that define true worth. The relationship cultivated with the rose is irreplaceable, making it far more valuable than any other flower. In essence, the rose symbolizes love and commitment, reminding readers of the depth found in nurturing meaningful connections.
