Scents in Shakespeare: Grass

As Shakespeare's Richard II, the first part of the Wars of the Roses, Richard II fully demonstrates his stubborn refusal to accept counsel in Act I: he forcibly seizes the property of his uncle Gaunt and insists on exiling his son Bolingbroke. When Gaunt realizes that King Richardis already made up his mind, he then encourage Bolingbroke:

" The grass whereon thou tread'st the presence strow'd, The flowers fair ladies, and thy steps no more Than a delightful measure or a dance, For gnarling sorrow hath less power to bite The man that mocks at it and sets it light. " — Richard II by William Shakespeare

Those who know something of the nature of "grass" might already be aware that grass scent itself is actually an invigorating presence, and no need to be the herbs that Gaunt spoke of to have the potential to emit fragrance. Traditionally, the definition of green notes has been subject to much debate and has rarely made a strong showing in the perfume world, but since the 1960s, their role in fragrances has become increasingly important. The straightforward word "Grass" actually encompasses the "true grass" family (Gramineae), with over 9,000 branch members, and their scent descriptions are often associated with "freshness," "naturalness," and "vitality."

When plants are damaged or broken, they release a type of green leaf volatile (GLVs), which includes a series of compounds—aldehydes, alcohols, and esters—the very scent of summer and youth we remember from those school days right after the lawn mower passed during recess. Beyond the forest-like aroma of green notes themselves, they may also carry the tartness of fruit (Styrallyl Acetate), the sweet and fresh fragrance of melon juice flowing (Green Leaf Accord, florhydral), the coolness of dew gathering at night, and the waves of summer breeze brought by the wind beneath the trees.

References: https://reurl.cc/A8dYXp https://reurl.cc/MdRV9X

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