I can’t find the full last scene of Tipping the Velvet on YouTube. This is the first half of it, where we’re given a song and dance synopsis (literally, har har) of Nan’s emotional history with both Kitty and Flo.
After this Nan’s given a bouquet of flowers on stage. She pulls one red rose out and wavers between throwing it to Nan or Flo. We know Nan “loves Flo best” when she tosses the rose and it ends up in Flo’s satin-gloved hand. Kitty rushes out of the theatre, understanding the symbolism. And, yes - the flower is a symbol, but the giving of it is a metaphor.
As heavy handed as this is, I far prefer it to confrontational or soppy “I love you!” scenes.
