Signs and Symbols
'The Long Engagement' 1854-9 by A Hughes.
 Click here for the interactive version! The Long Engagement was painted to tell the story of a cleric and a girl called Amy. They were in love but couldn’t get married (possibly for money or family reasons). They have to meet secretly in the woods. The name ‘Amy’ has been carved into the tree but they have been meeting here for so long that the ivy has grown over the top of it. |
Symbols Quiz
- What does the purple and green of Amy's clothing symbolize?
a) Purple for sorrow, green for life
b) Purple for money, green for nature
c) Purple for happiness, green for love
- What does the ivy symbolize here?
a) Eternity and affection
b) Poisen and hate
c) Autmn weather
- What does the dog represent?
a) The passing of time
b) Nosy neighbours
c) Faithfullness
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