# The Seeds of Love explained — On a Pincushion

> Chapter companion for On a Pincushion by Mary De Morgan.

## What happens

An old woman on her deathbed gives her granddaughters Zaire and Blanchelys magic candles that will grant each a wish when lit. After her death, Blanchelys lights her candle and meets Love, who gives her seeds that grow into a rose tree. The tree's health is tied to the love of the King's son, and Blanchelys marries him, becoming Queen. Zaire grows jealous and tries to destroy the tree.

## Themes in this chapter

### Jealousy and Rivalry

Zaire's jealousy of Blanchelys's happiness and marriage drives her to try to destroy the rose tree, highlighting the destructive nature of envy.

### Love and Sacrifice

Blanchelys's love for the Prince is nurtured through the magical rose tree, and her devotion to the tree reflects the depth of her love and the sacrifices she makes.

### Magic and Moral Lessons

The magic candles and the rose tree serve as moral tools: good wishes bring good fairies and happiness, while wicked intentions lead to harm and jealousy.

## Character check-ins

### Zaire

Granddaughter of the old woman, cousin of Blanchelys. Dark-haired, considered prettier but less loved. Receives a magic candle, broods over her wish, and becomes bitterly jealous of Blanchelys's happiness.

### Blanchelys

Granddaughter of the old woman, cousin of Zaire. Golden-haired, cheerful, and kind. Lights her magic candle, meets Love, receives seeds that grow into a rose tree, marries the King's son, and becomes Queen.

### The Seeds of Love

A beautiful boy with golden hair, pink wings, and a wreath of roses. Appears when Blanchelys lights her candle, gives her the seeds that grow into a rose tree, and warns her of the thorns.

### Prince Fluvius

The King's son who falls in love with Blanchelys as the rose tree grows, marries her, and becomes King after his father's death.

## Key lines

> I am Love. What do you want with me?

The beautiful boy identifies himself as Love and asks Blanchelys what she desires.

_Love appears to Blanchelys after she lights the magic candle._

> Give me the love of the King's son.

Blanchelys asks for the Prince's affection.

_This is Blanchelys's wish, which Love grants through the seeds._

> From them will spring a rose-tree, and as it grows so his love for you will grow.

The rose tree's growth mirrors the Prince's growing love for Blanchelys.

_Love explains the magical connection between the tree and the Prince's feelings._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/on_a_pincushion_se/chapters/the-seeds-of-love
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/on_a_pincushion_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/on_a_pincushion_se/chapters