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Janet Fitch's novel White Oleander explores a myriad of life themes. However, the novel centers around three main ideas: the power of motherhood, beauty, and love. Fitch's descriptive and poetic writing style skillfully uses the title flower, White Oleander, as a symbol to represent all three themes. The Oleander itself strives under intensely hot and dry weather, particularly in Southern California, where the novel takes place. The flower stands as a symbol for motherhood, both strong and tough under the worst of situations. The main character, Astrid's mother Ingrid, proves to be just as the Oleander, staying strong even when convicted of murdering her faithless lover, and is sent to prison. For Astrid, her mother is the first and most important figure in her life. As most young girls do, Astrid idolizes her. She watches Ingrid's every movement and dreams of being one day exactly like her. As a child, Astrid is constantly feeling the guilt of holding her mother back from the life she truly wishes to live. “I knew the only reason we were here was because of me. “If it weren't for me, she wouldn't have to take jobs like this. She would be half a planet away, floating in a turquoise sea, dancing by moonlight to flamenco gui