The Loves of Lady Purple

page 45.
"They lavished upon her all the attentions which love and money could devise and yet they reared a flower which, although perfumed, was carnivorous."

The flower? Clearly significant in its symbolism, but how? It has a distinct smell, but carnivorous? What exactly does this word mean? Hungry/ Animal-like hunger? I think of a carnivore, a meat eater. Does the smell of the flower transform her into the "evil" being we see her become later in the story? What exactly is she hungry for/ is it a desire?

This quote claims the parents spoiled her, gave her everything she needed, etc, etc, yet they also objectify and sexualize her by referring to her as a flower. While her outlet of choice (murder and seduction) may not be ideal, it is also understandable that Lady Purple felt stifled in her role as a rich brat and did not know how else to break free.

I wonder if the concept of a flower has something to do with being feminine or our ideas about what femininity is. Girls are supposed to like flowers and want boys to get them. It may be a twist on what a flower symbolizes. I agree that this flower could be objectifying her and push her into a role she does not want. Also, does love and money always lead to happiness?