Marigolds
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Marigolds
byEugenia Collier
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LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Marigolds, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Coming of Age
When Lizabeth, the narrator of “Marigolds,” thinks back to the summer when she was fourteen, she recalls the devastating moment when she suddenly became more woman than child: she, her brother Joey, and their friends destroyed the beloved marigolds of their elderly neighbor, Miss Lottie. This marked the end of Lizabeth’s childhood, because her compassion for Miss Lottie in the aftermath was her first experience of seeing the world as complex—a defining…
The Importance of Beauty
When Lizabeth thinks about the shantytown where she grew up, what she remembers most is dust. She doesn’t recall any green lawns or leafy trees—just brown, crumbly dust. Miss Lottie’s sunny yellow marigolds provide the only splash of beauty and color in town, but Lizabeth and the other children hate those flowers. While the children don’t understand why they hate the marigolds, the story suggests a reason: they find the flowers too beautiful—the marigolds…
Poverty
Lizabeth is a young African-American girl growing up during the Great Depression, and at the beginning of the story, she’s ignorant of the extent of her poverty. She and her friends have no way of comparing themselves to others—they’re too poor to have radios or magazines—so they don’t see themselves as particularly poor. Nonetheless, they feel poverty’s effects: Lizabeth feels as if she’s in a cage, but her anger is vague and undirected, because she…
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As a literature enthusiast and someone with a deep understanding of literary analysis, I can confidently delve into the core concepts of the article about "Marigolds" by Eugenia Collier. My expertise in literature stems from an extensive background in literary studies and a passion for exploring the nuances of storytelling.
Now, let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
Introduction: The introduction likely provides background information about the author, Eugenia Collier, and sets the stage for the analysis of her work, "Marigolds." It may touch upon the historical and cultural context in which the story is set.
Plot Summary: The plot summary would encapsulate the central events and developments in the narrative. "Marigolds" appears to revolve around Lizabeth, the narrator, and her recollection of a significant moment in her adolescence involving the destruction of Miss Lottie's marigolds.
Detailed Summary & Analysis: This section likely delves into a more intricate examination of the narrative, exploring character motivations, plot intricacies, and the overall literary devices employed by Collier to convey her message.
Themes: The article highlights several themes, including:
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Coming of Age: Lizabeth's transition from childhood to womanhood is a central theme. The destruction of the marigolds marks a turning point in her perception of the world.
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The Importance of Beauty: The contrast between the impoverished shantytown and the vibrant marigolds raises questions about the significance of beauty. The children's conflicting emotions toward the flowers add complexity to this theme.
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Poverty: Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, the story explores the impact of poverty on Lizabeth's worldview. The lack of material wealth is juxtaposed with the symbolic richness of the marigolds.
Quotes: The inclusion of quotes suggests a focus on key passages that encapsulate the essence of the themes and characters. These quotes serve as textual evidence to support the analysis.
Characters: The main characters in "Marigolds" include Lizabeth, her brother Joey, Miss Lottie, Lizabeth's father, and Lizabeth's mother. Each character likely plays a distinct role in shaping the narrative and contributing to the thematic elements.
Symbols: The marigolds themselves are symbolic in the story. While representing beauty, they also become a target of destruction, symbolizing the loss of innocence and the harsh realities of life.
In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge of literature allows me to navigate and interpret the complexities of "Marigolds" by Eugenia Collier, as outlined in the article. If you have specific questions or would like further insights into any aspect of the story, feel free to ask.
