The title of the painting is taken from the eponymous novel by Carlos McCullers, the inverted volume of which features at the bottom of the painting. The book’s title, in turn, is taken from the poem The Lonely Hunter by the Scottish poet William Sharp (who wrote under the pseudonym of Fiona MacLeod), but is also a title of numerous songs, thus continuing the relationship between music and literature throughout the exhibition. Ironically, the book is about the experiences of a deaf man. The painting shows a bouquet of yellow ranunculus flowers, the gift of which is traditionally associated as a good omen, to bring joy and positive energy. The flowers are in a glass of water, which stands atop of the aforementioned book. The vanitas aspect of the painting is depicted both in the small skull on the left and a flower bud on the right.