Language of herbs

[MysteryTramp999 at aol.com]

"There's rosemary, that's for remembrance."  Do you suppose
there'd be any point in going into the characters Oedipa and
Ophelia?  Maybe I'm looking into things too much.

Anyway . . .

On page 10, Oedipa looks at the marjoram and sweet basil
in her herb garden.  Traditionally, sweet basil symbolizes
good luck and good wishes.  Marjoram symbolizes blushes,
innocence and joy.  Do these herbs represent Oedipda's
past, or what she's about to leave behind?

On page 23, before leaving to meet Metzger, Oedipa asks
Mucho to look after the oregano in the garden because it's
growing a "strange mold."  Oregano symbolizes substance
and is said to banish sadness.  Is this what Oedipa is losing,
her ability to banish sadness and the loss of her substance 
and identity?

Diana