流星花园
Meteor Garden - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
Meteor Necklace
The meteor necklace given by Daoming Si to Shancai symbolizes their destined and cosmic connection. It represents his promise and unwavering love for her, a tangible object that ties them together even when they are physically or emotionally apart. It signifies a love that is as rare and special as a meteor shower.
Daoming Si gifts the necklace to Shancai during a date where they watch a meteor shower. The necklace becomes a significant object throughout the series, often serving as a reminder of their bond during times of separation and conflict. Its reappearance often signals a pivotal moment in their relationship.
The Joker Card
In this adaptation, the infamous Red Card from previous versions is replaced by a Joker card. It symbolizes a formal challenge from F4. Receiving it means the student is targeted by the group and the student body. Initially a tool of intimidation and bullying, it later represents Shancai's successful defiance of their power structure.
Shancai receives the Joker card early in the series after she confronts Daoming Si. The challenge associated with the card is a game of Contract Bridge, which F4 are masters at. This modernizes the bullying element from previous adaptations into a battle of wits rather than just physical intimidation.
The Bridge
The rooftop or bridge at the university is a recurring meeting spot that symbolizes a space of refuge, vulnerability, and honest conversation. It is where characters often go to be alone or to have pivotal, heartfelt discussions away from the social pressures of the university.
This is where Shancai first finds a quiet Hua Ze Lei, and where they share several important moments. It's a neutral ground where characters like Lei and Shancai, and later Si and Shancai, can express their true feelings without pretense.
Philosophical Questions
Does enduring hardship and suffering for love make it more valuable?
The series constantly places immense, almost insurmountable obstacles in the path of Shancai and Daoming Si. From class differences and extreme family opposition to misunderstandings and physical separation, their relationship is forged in adversity. The narrative seems to suggest that their love becomes stronger and more profound precisely because they have to fight so hard for it. It raises the question of whether love that comes easy can be as deep as a love that has been tested by fire.
Can a person truly change their fundamental nature for someone else?
Daoming Si's character arc is a central exploration of this question. He starts as an entitled, violent, and arrogant individual. While his love for Shancai motivates him to become kinder, more patient, and more mature, the series occasionally shows his temper flaring up, suggesting his core personality is still present. This prompts the question: Is Daoming Si's transformation a genuine change of character, or is it a sustained effort to be a better person for Shancai, with the old 'him' always lurking beneath the surface?
Where is the line between romantic persistence and toxic obsession?
Daoming Si's initial pursuit of Shancai often crosses boundaries. His behavior can be interpreted as controlling, aggressive, and obsessive. The series romanticizes his relentless pursuit as a sign of his deep passion. However, it also raises questions about consent and emotional manipulation. The narrative challenges viewers to consider at what point grand romantic gestures become acts of harassment and whether the 'enemies-to-lovers' trope can inadvertently glorify toxic relationship dynamics, a point often raised by modern critics.
Core Meaning
At its heart, "Meteor Garden" explores the idea that love can transcend social class and background. It champions the power of perseverance and inner strength, suggesting that a person's worth is defined by their character, not their wealth. The series posits that even the most arrogant and hardened individuals can be transformed by genuine love and compassion. Through the enduring friendship of F4 and Shancai's unwavering defiance, the show conveys a message of loyalty and the importance of fighting for one's happiness against seemingly insurmountable odds.