 According to Patti <unk> , colors are used symbolically throughout the film , none more so than red , which is an important thematic signature that drives the story and " [ defines ] Lester 's arc " . First seen in drab colors that reflect his <unk> , Lester surrounds himself with red as he <unk> his individuality . The American Beauty rose is repeatedly used as symbol ; when Lester <unk> about Angela , she is usually naked and surrounded by rose <unk> . In these scenes , the rose <unk> Lester 's desire for her . When associated with Carolyn , the rose represents a " façade for suburban success " . Roses are included in almost every shot inside the <unk> ' home , where they signify " a mask covering a bleak , <unk> reality " . Carolyn feels that " as long as there can be <unk> , all is well " . She cuts the <unk> and puts them in <unk> , where they adorn her " <unk> vision of what makes for beauty " and begin to die . The <unk> in the vase in the Angela – Lester seduction scene symbolize Lester 's previous life and Carolyn ; the camera pushes in as Lester and Angela get closer , finally taking the <unk> — and thus Carolyn — out of the shot . Lester 's <unk> at the end of the film is expressed by rain and the use of red , building to a crescendo that is a deliberate contrast to the release Lester feels . The constant use of red " <unk> [ the audience ] <unk> " into becoming used to it ; consequently , it leaves the audience unprepared when Lester is shot and his blood <unk> on the wall . 
