rosemary and rue
Rosemary and rue are often used as a symbol of remembering the dead. In Hamlet, Ophelia said "There's rosemary, that's for remembrance, pray you, love, remember" (IV.5.199-200). Rue is also the word for "bitter regret." According to Encyclopedia.com, the plant itself also represents grief and regret. What do you think Shakespeare is trying to accomplish with these symbols and what does he accomplish by juxtaposing them with the mention of winter? What is the winter in this story?