Little Shop Horrors Plant Name

Little Shop of Horrors: Unveiling the Name and Nature of Audrey II

The name "Audrey II" – a seemingly simple moniker for a seemingly simple plant – holds a much deeper significance within the cult classic musical and film, Little Shop of Horrors. This seemingly innocuous Venus flytrap-like plant is far from ordinary, its name a key to understanding the themes of ambition, desire, and the corrupting influence of power. This article will delve into the fascinating origins and meaning behind Audrey II's name, exploring its connection to the narrative and analyzing its symbolic representation within the story. We'll also touch upon the botanical inspirations and the creative process behind bringing this iconic carnivorous plant to life.

The Name: A Tribute and a Double Meaning

The name "Audrey II" is a direct homage to Audrey Hepburn, the legendary actress known for her elegance and grace. This is a deliberate contrast to the plant's grotesque nature, highlighting the juxtaposition of beauty and horror that lies at the heart of the story. Seymour, the meek florist who discovers Audrey II, names the plant after his unrequited love, Audrey. This act reveals his affection for her and his desperate attempt to improve his life, even if it means making a deal with a monstrous plant. The "II" adds another layer of complexity, suggesting a replication, a darker, more sinister version of the original Audrey. It represents the potential for corruption, transformation, and the unsettling consequences of unchecked ambition.

The name also subtly foreshadows the plant's insatiable hunger and destructive potential. Just as the number two implies duplication or a heightened version, Audrey II surpasses the original Audrey in both scale and malevolence. While Audrey is a kind, hopeful woman, Audrey II demands human sacrifices, symbolizing the distortion and ultimate perversion of Seymour's initial, innocent intentions.

Botanical Inspirations and Design

While Audrey II is clearly fictional, its design draws inspiration from various real-world carnivorous plants. The most prominent inspiration is the Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula), recognizable by its distinctive trap-like leaves. However, Audrey II is significantly larger and more grotesque than its natural counterpart, embodying the exaggerated proportions often found in horror fiction.

Other carnivorous plants may have also influenced Audrey II's design, including the pitcher plants (Nepenthes) and sundews (Drosera), all of which feature unique mechanisms for capturing and digesting insects. The creators cleverly combined features from these plants to create a creature that is both recognizable as a plant and utterly terrifying in its size and appetite.

The evolution of Audrey II's design throughout the various adaptations of Little Shop of Horrors is also fascinating. From the puppet version in the original stage production to the more sophisticated animatronics and CGI effects in later adaptations, the plant's appearance has undergone significant changes, yet consistently maintains its unsettling charm.

Audrey II's Role in the Narrative: A Catalyst for Change

Audrey II serves as a crucial catalyst for change in Seymour's life. Initially, he nurtures the plant with the hope of gaining financial success and impressing Audrey, his crush. However, as the plant grows larger and its demands become more sinister, it manipulates and corrupts Seymour, pushing him to increasingly drastic measures. The plant becomes a metaphor for the seductive power of ambition and the dangers of compromising one's morality for personal gain.

The plant's demands for human blood become a symbolic representation of the dark side of human nature. It reflects the willingness of some individuals to sacrifice others for personal advancement. As the story progresses, Audrey II's influence on Seymour grows stronger, transforming him from a shy, unassuming florist into a ruthless individual willing to commit murder.

Furthermore, Audrey II's presence raises questions about responsibility and the consequences of our actions. Seymour's initial actions of nurturing and feeding the plant are driven by good intentions, but these actions eventually lead to catastrophic results. This highlights the importance of considering the potential repercussions of our choices, no matter how well-intentioned they might seem.

Audrey II's Symbolic Significance

Beyond its role in the narrative, Audrey II serves as a powerful symbol with multiple interpretations. It can be seen as a representation of:

• The corrupting influence of power: The plant's increasing size and demands reflect the corrupting influence of power and the allure of unchecked ambition. Seymour's transformation from an innocent individual to a murderer is a direct consequence of his entanglement with Audrey II.
• The dark side of human nature: Audrey II's insatiable hunger for human blood symbolizes the darker aspects of human nature, including greed, ambition, and the willingness to exploit others for personal gain.
• The dangers of unchecked scientific ambition: Seymour's initial actions of nurturing the plant can be interpreted as a form of reckless scientific ambition. His failure to control the plant's growth highlights the potential dangers of scientific experimentation without adequate consideration of ethical implications.
• The consequences of unchecked desires: Seymour's desire to win Audrey's affection and achieve financial success leads him to make a Faustian bargain with Audrey II. This demonstrates the devastating consequences of allowing unchecked desires to guide one's actions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What kind of plant is Audrey II? While inspired by real carnivorous plants like the Venus flytrap, Audrey II is a fictional creation with exaggerated features. It's a fantastical amalgamation of several carnivorous plant characteristics.

• What is the significance of the number "II"? The "II" in Audrey II suggests a replication or a heightened, more sinister version of the original Audrey. It represents the amplification of traits and consequences, signifying the potential for corruption and perversion.

• Who designed Audrey II? The design of Audrey II has evolved across various adaptations of the story. The original stage production used a puppet, while subsequent film and stage versions employed increasingly sophisticated animatronics and CGI. The creative teams behind each adaptation contributed to Audrey II's unique visual evolution.

• Is Audrey II based on a real plant? No, Audrey II is a fictional plant. While its design is inspired by real carnivorous plants, its characteristics are greatly exaggerated for dramatic effect.

Conclusion: An Enduring Symbol of Temptation and Corruption

Audrey II, the seemingly simple name of a monstrous plant, holds layers of meaning and significance within the context of Little Shop of Horrors. Its name is a tribute, a foreshadowing, and a key to understanding the narrative's exploration of ambition, desire, and the corrupting influence of power. The plant's design, a fascinating blend of botanical inspiration and theatrical exaggeration, contributes to its enduring iconic status. Beyond its narrative role, Audrey II functions as a potent symbol, prompting reflection on the darker aspects of human nature and the potential consequences of unchecked desires and ambitions. Its enduring popularity underscores its effectiveness as a chilling and captivating representation of temptation and its devastating consequences. Audrey II remains a powerful and enduring symbol, reminding us of the importance of ethical considerations and the potential dangers of unchecked ambition. The plant, in its grotesque magnificence, continues to captivate audiences and serve as a timeless reminder of the seductive power of darkness lurking beneath seemingly harmless beginnings.