Flowers
Flower imagery represents the link between love and nature, implying that love undergoes the same cycle that nature undergoes and therefore suggesting the fleeting nature of love. Typically associated with femininity, the imagery of flowers is also used to show connection between the characters – for example, Fanny is shown lying in a field of bluebells as she reads Keats’ love letter to her.
Butterflies
The transience of love is shown through the brief life cycle of the butterfly. This mirrors Keats’ fears that his life and legacy will be cut short. The beauty of butterflies also signifies the beauty of love.
Candlelight
Candles and candlelight are used to replace natural light. Campion increasingly employs low key lighting & claustrophobic interiors towards the end of the film during Keats’ illness. The dark and claustrophobic image created by the candlelight reflects Keats’ anxiety towards and fear of death.
Thresholds and doors
Thresholds, primarily doors, are used as imagery in Campion’s film to contrast life and death. Fanny and her sister are shown standing outside the room where Keats is consoling his dying brother, showing Keats’ immersion in sickness and the extent to which death has affected his life versus Fanny’s nativity and ignorance of death.
