The Secret Life of Sunflowers

Johanna is the second main character Emsley encounters through the diary Violet gives her. An ordinary, middle-class young woman, Johanna is living with her parents in Amsterdam in the late 19th century as the novel opens. Though not outwardly defiant or unconventional, Johanna is searching for fulfillment. As her mother pushes her toward marriage, Johanna, not sure traditional domestic life will bring her happiness, remains cautious and doubtful. Her first attempt at establishing a life for herself—teaching in Utrecht—is unsuccessful, though the novel does not explain why. However, Johanna proves willing to take a risk when she accepts Dries’s invitation to spend Christmas in Paris. Her initial refusal of Theo’s proposal shows that she is rational and cautious; she does not seek to be cruel or rude to Theo but won’t commit to someone she does not love. Johanna leaves herself open to friendship with Theo and later acknowledges that her feelings for him have turned to love.

Indeed, Johanna’s fierce and unwavering commitment to Theo becomes a defining characteristic as the novel unfolds. She respects and admires his love for his brother, despite the seriousness of Vincent’s mental illness. Indeed, as Theo experiences his own mental illness, Johanna, stalwart, refuses to give up on him and visits him even when it is unadvisable. Her love and dedication are among her many positive characteristics. Likewise, she displays admirable tenacity and perseverance as she sets out to fulfill Theo’s goal of bringing recognition to Vincent’s work. Though she faces many obstacles, Johanna never gives up and defies gender norms by representing Vincent herself. During this time, she single-handedly financially supports herself and her son by running a boarding house, despite how tiresome and difficult the job can be. Her love for her son drives her commitment both to Theo and to his unfilled goals. Johanna motivates Emsley in the present day to overcome her own obstacles.

Throughout their friendship, courtship, and early phase of their marriage, Theo is kind, tender, and warm toward Johanna. He loves her deeply and, though she rejects him at first, never relinquishes that love. He is fiercely loyal toward his brother, Vincent, and this loyalty lays the foundation for some of the novel’s themes. He unwaveringly cares for and protects Vincent even though medical personnel doubt Vincent will recover from his mental illness. Indeed, Theo, selfless and self-sacrificing, puts Vincent’s well-being above everything and supports him financially. Theo is certain of Vincent’s artistic genius, and his desire that Vincent receive his due becomes his life’s purpose. After Theo dies, Johanna takes up this task to honor her husband.

Theo’s mental illness changes his personality. He refuses to speak to or engage with Johanna and becomes tormented by guilt over Vincent’s death. In his grief, he blames himself for Vincent’s suicide. Importantly, Johanna sees through Theo’s condition, knowing the illness has affected his personality. After he dies, she remains focused on his many positive qualities.