Try to analyze the symbolic meanings of roses in American Beauty.

The dream and fantasy scenes with Lester obsessing about Angela fit in very nicely with the theme of the entire movie. Being very attractive, Angela is a symbol of beauty in general. The deep red roses do a great job of abstractly communicating these scenes. The viewer sees these roses coming from Angela’s body, her mouth, and her bath water. They not only symbolize beauty, but also a social barrier between Lester and Angela. Lester must impress Angela in order to seduce her. I think the roses symbolize a sense of school-girl virginity as well which Lester desires.