If you ever planted Marigolds in your garden, you might already be familiar with their vibrant yellow-orange petals and their powerful ability to deter pests. However, for Lizabeth, the main character in “Marigolds” by Eugenia Collier, these flowers symbolize something much more profound.
Marigolds serve as a poignant reminder of the harsh realities of her world, and the contrast between beauty and ugliness in life. For Lizabeth, they symbolize hope, even amidst the chaos, devastation, and poverty that she and her family face every day. As she navigates through her adolescence, the image of these flowers becomes an anchor of sorts, guiding her through the tumultuous emotional landscapes of growing up.
Perhaps you too can relate to the power of symbols and how they can serve as beacons of hope and reminders of important life lessons. From the humble Marigold to the pebble on the side of the road, sometimes it’s the simplest things that can carry the heaviest weight. So while Lizabeth may have seen the Marigolds differently than we do, let’s embrace the layers of meaning that these flowers bring and the profound impact they can have on our lives.
Background of the short story “Marigolds”
“Marigolds” is a short story written by Eugenia Collier that reflects on growing up in the Great Depression era. The story takes place in a small town in Maryland, and the protagonist, Lizabeth, is a fourteen-year-old girl who struggles to come to terms with her family’s poverty and her adolescence.
The story’s title is derived from an incident in which Lizabeth destroys her neighbor’s marigold garden out of frustration and despair. The marigolds are symbolic of different things at different points in the story. Below are the subtopics that explain how the marigolds represent something different for Lizabeth:
Marigolds as beauty and hope
- At the beginning of the story, the marigolds represent beauty and hope for Lizabeth. They are a reminder that despite the harshness of their living conditions, beautiful things still exist in the world.
- Lizabeth finds solace in the marigold garden and sees it as a symbol of the beauty that exists in life, even in the midst of poverty.
- For Lizabeth, the marigold garden is an escape from the harsh reality of her life.
Marigolds as a symbol of frustration and despair
However, Lizabeth’s view of the marigolds changes after a significant realization:
- She comes to understand that her life is not going to get better any time soon- It is a fact of life that she will continue to live in poverty, and there is nothing she can do about it.
- As a result, the marigold garden becomes a source of frustration and anger rather than a source of beauty and hope.
- Lizabeth decides to destroy the marigolds as a desperate attempt to take control of her life and rebel against her difficult circumstances.
Marigolds as a metaphor for growth and transformation
Ultimately, Lizabeth’s actions have consequences that force her to confront the reality of her choices and emotions:
- Sylvia, Lizabeth’s neighbor and the owner of the marigold garden, confronts Lizabeth about destroying the garden.
- During the conversation, Lizabeth realizes that she has been fooling herself when she thought that destroying the garden would make her feel better.
- Lizabeth comes to a profound realization that growing up means confronting and dealing with difficult emotions and circumstances, not lashing out in anger and frustration.
- The marigold garden ultimately serves as a metaphor for Lizabeth’s coming of age.
Conclusion
The use of marigolds as a literary device in “Marigolds” showcases the complex themes of beauty, frustration, and growth that adolescents face during significant transitions in their lives. Lizabeth’s transformation from seeing the marigolds as a source of hope to a source of anger and then a symbol of growing up, is a powerful literary example of how symbols can represent vastly different meanings at different points in a story.
Character Analysis of Lizabeth
Lizabeth is a young girl who is the protagonist of the short story “Marigolds” by Eugenia Collier. She is about fourteen years old and lives in a poverty-stricken African American community during the Great Depression. Lizabeth is portrayed as a rebellious and restless character who struggles to understand the world around her.
How do the marigolds symbolize something different for Lizabeth?
- At the beginning of the story, Lizabeth dislikes the marigolds and sees them as a symbol of ugliness and oppression. She despises them because they are the only bright spots in an otherwise drab and hopeless landscape.
- In contrast to the rest of her community, Lizabeth wants to rebel against her environment and break free from its constraints. She does not want to accept the poverty, inequality, and hopelessness of her world, and the marigolds represent this oppressive reality in her eyes.
- However, as the story progresses, Lizabeth’s perception of the marigolds changes. She becomes aware that Miss Lottie, an elderly neighbor whom she and her friends had destroyed the marigolds of, had planted them for a reason. This realization leads her to understand that the marigolds symbolize hope, resilience, and beauty amid harshness and adversity.
- For Lizabeth, the marigolds represent a source of inspiration, a symbol of beauty and hope in a world she had previously seen as dull and oppressive. The marigolds remind her that there is always something worth fighting for even in the bleakest of circumstances.
In conclusion, the marigolds symbolize something different for Lizabeth throughout the story. At the beginning, they represent the oppressive reality of her environment, but at the end, they represent hope, beauty, and resilience. Lizabeth’s changing perception of the marigolds shows her growth and maturation as a character.
Historical Context of the Story Setting
“Marigolds” by Eugenia Collier is a short story set in the 1930s during the Great Depression in rural Maryland, USA. The historical context of the setting plays a significant role in shaping the themes and symbols that the story presents.
The Great Depression was marked by widespread poverty and economic hardship that affected both urban and rural areas of the United States. In the rural South, where the story is set, many African Americans lived in poverty and struggled to make ends meet. The setting of the story reflects this backdrop of hardship and deprivation that the characters face.
Symbolism of Marigolds for Lizabeth
- Hope and Beauty. For Lizabeth, the marigolds represent hope and beauty amidst the ugliness of her surroundings. She finds solace in tending to the marigolds and seeing them bloom, which gives her a sense of joy and purpose. The marigolds symbolize the possibility of something beautiful and positive emerging from the harshness of life.
- Loss of Innocence. The marigolds also represent the loss of innocence that Lizabeth experiences as she grows up and faces the harsh realities of the world. She realizes that life is not always fair or just, and the marigolds serve as a reminder of the loss of her childhood innocence.
- Desperation. Later in the story, the marigolds take on a different symbolic meaning for Lizabeth. She and her brother destroy Miss Lottie’s marigolds out of desperation and frustration with their own circumstances. The marigolds become a symbol of the senseless destruction that poverty and desperation can cause.
The Significance of Race
Race plays a significant role in the story, as Lizabeth and her family are African Americans living in a predominantly white community. The racial tensions and inequalities of the time are reflected in the story, as Lizabeth and her family face discrimination and poverty. The destruction of Miss Lottie’s marigolds can also be seen as a result of the racial tension and resentment that Lizabeth feels towards the white community that seems to have more privilege and opportunities.
| Racial Context | Symbolic Meanings |
|---|---|
| African American Family in a Segregated Community | Symbolic of the harsh realities and discrimination that African Americans faced during that time period. |
| Lizabeth’s Resentment of White Community | Symbolic of the racial tension and inequality that existed in the 1930s. |
The marigolds’ symbolic meanings for Lizabeth and the racial context in which the story takes place intertwine to create a layered and complex story that speaks to the universal experience of growing up and facing the harsh realities of the world.
Symbolism in Literature
Symbols are powerful tools used by authors to add deeper meaning to their literary works. Through the use of symbols, authors are able to convey abstract ideas and emotions that might be difficult to express through other means. In the short story “Marigolds” by Eugenia W. Collier, marigolds serve as a powerful symbol that represents something different for each character in the story. In this article, we will explore how marigolds symbolize something different for Lizabeth.
- Lizabeth’s Innocence: For Lizabeth, the marigolds symbolize her innocence. At the beginning of the story, Lizabeth is a carefree child who has yet to experience the harsh realities of life. However, after witnessing her father’s outburst and destroying Miss Lottie’s marigolds, Lizabeth is forced to confront the harsh realities of poverty and racism. In destroying the marigolds, Lizabeth destroys her own innocence and realizes that the world is not always a kind and fair place.
- Lizabeth’s Guilt: The marigolds also symbolize Lizabeth’s guilt. After destroying the marigolds, Lizabeth feels a deep sense of shame and regret. Her actions have hurt an innocent person, and she realizes that she can never take back what she has done. The marigolds serve as a constant reminder of her guilt and the consequences of her actions.
- Lizabeth’s Empathy: Finally, the marigolds can also be seen as a symbol of Lizabeth’s empathy. Despite her initial anger towards Miss Lottie and her flowers, Lizabeth eventually comes to understand the importance of the marigolds to Miss Lottie. Through this understanding, Lizabeth is able to connect with Miss Lottie on a deeper level and feel empathy for her struggles.
As we can see, the symbolism of marigolds in “Marigolds” is complex and multifaceted. Through their symbolism, we are able to understand the emotional journey that Lizabeth goes through in the story and the lessons that she learns about life and empathy.
In conclusion, symbols are an essential part of literature that allow authors to explore complex themes and emotions. In “Marigolds,” marigolds serve as a powerful symbol that represents something different for each character in the story. By analyzing this symbolism, we gain a deeper understanding of the emotional journey that Lizabeth goes through and the lessons that she learns about life, guilt, and empathy.
Marigolds’ traditional symbolism
In traditional symbolism, marigolds are often associated with death. They are used in Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico, where they are placed on altars and on graves as offerings to the dead. Marigolds are also used in Hindu and Buddhist ceremonies for the same purpose. Their bright orange and yellow colors are thought to attract spirits to the offerings.
- Marigolds are also used to symbolize the sun and warmth. They are said to bring good luck and prosperity.
- In some cultures, marigolds represent love and devotion. Couples may exchange marigold garlands as a symbol of their commitment to each other.
- Marigolds have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. They were believed to treat a variety of ailments, from headaches to indigestion.
However, for Lizabeth in “Marigolds” by Eugenia Collier, the marigolds symbolize something different. They represent her loss of innocence and the harsh realities of life. She destroys the marigolds in a fit of rage and frustration, unable to comprehend the poverty and despair that surround her. For Lizabeth, the marigolds are a reminder of the ugliness of the world and the impossibility of escaping it.
| Color | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Orange | Pride and ambition |
| Yellow | Hope and happiness |
| Red | Passion and love |
Marigolds have been used in literature and art to symbolize a variety of things, from death to love to hope. In “Marigolds,” Eugenia Collier uses them to represent loss of innocence and the harsh realities of life. Their bright colors stand in stark contrast to the poverty and despair that surround Lizabeth and her family, making their destruction all the more poignant.
Marigold’s symbolism in different cultures
Marigolds have been symbolizing different things in various cultures all around the world. They have become an integral part of many religious festivals and celebrations. Here are some examples:
- In Mexico, marigolds are known as ‘Cempasuchil’, and they are used to decorate the altars of Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. The vibrant orange and yellow colors of marigolds are believed to attract the souls of the departed back to the land of the living.
- In India, marigolds are often used in religious ceremonies and weddings as a symbol of purity, beauty, and good fortune. The flowers are believed to have the ability to ward off evil spirits and negative energy.
- In ancient Greece, marigolds were associated with the sun god, Apollo. They were believed to have healing powers and were used in medicinal oils and balms to treat various ailments.
Aside from these cultural beliefs, marigolds have also been given different meanings according to their colors:
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Orange | Joy, optimism, and enthusiasm |
| Yellow | Cheerfulness, resilience, and positivity |
| Red | Love, passion, and courage |
For Lizabeth, the marigolds hold a different symbolism. They represent her struggle to come to terms with her adulthood and the loss of her childhood innocence. The destruction of the marigolds is her way of rebelling against the idea of growing up and facing the harshness of the world.
Overall, the symbol of marigolds may vary from culture to culture and person to person, but they all hold a significant meaning that transcends time and borders.
Characterization through Symbolism
Marigolds, a short story by Eugenia Collier, is rich in symbolism that helps to characterize the protagonist, Lizabeth. Through the marigold flower, Collier imbues Lizabeth’s character with various meanings and nuances, shedding light on her inner world, conflicts, and growth. One of the most prominent symbols in the story is the number 7, which carries multiple implications for Lizabeth’s journey.
- Seven marigolds: The story begins with Lizabeth and her friends destroying Miss Lottie’s marigold patch, an act of rebellion and frustration towards the poverty and hopelessness that seem to define their lives. However, after the incident, Lizabeth feels a deep sense of guilt and regret, which intensifies when she learns about Miss Lottie’s tragic past and her attachment to the marigolds. To make amends, Lizabeth decides to plant seven marigold seeds in the patch, hoping to bring back its beauty and meaning. The number 7 here suggests completeness, harmony, and spiritual significance, as it aligns with the seven days of creation, the seven chakras, and other sacred beliefs. Thus, by choosing seven marigolds, Lizabeth reveals her desire to restore wholeness and balance, both in the garden and in her own soul.
- Seven years old: Another instance where the number 7 appears is in Lizabeth’s memory of her childhood and innocence. In a flashback, Lizabeth remembers how she used to play with her little brother when she was seven years old, enjoying the simple pleasures of life and dreaming of a better future. However, as she grows older and faces the harsh reality of poverty and discrimination, her innocence fades, and she becomes more cynical and disillusioned. By juxtaposing the happy memory of being seven with the present misery of being fifteen, the story highlights Lizabeth’s loss of hope and her longing for a return to the purity and joy of childhood.
- Seven steps: The final scene of the story features Lizabeth’s symbolic journey towards self-awareness and maturity. After planting the marigolds, Lizabeth walks away from the garden, taking seven steps that represent her gradual realization of the consequences of her actions and her empathy towards Miss Lottie. With each step, Lizabeth sheds a layer of ignorance and cruelty, until she reaches the last step where she understands the full extent of her transformation. Here, the number 7 stands for growth, change, and enlightenment, as Lizabeth learns to see the world from a new perspective and embrace the power of beauty and compassion.
Overall, the use of the number 7 in Marigolds helps to deepen the characterization of Lizabeth and convey the themes of growth, redemption, and hope. By imbuing the marigold symbol with multiple meanings, Eugenia Collier creates a layered and nuanced story that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds.
Theme of disillusionment in “Marigolds”
Throughout the short story “Marigolds,” author Eugenia Collier explores the theme of disillusionment, specifically how it affects the main character Lizabeth. Lizabeth’s disillusionment is shown through various symbols in the story, including the marigolds, which hold different meanings for her throughout the story.
- In the beginning of the story, Lizabeth views the marigolds as a sign of hope and beauty, something to be admired and cherished.
- However, as Lizabeth’s realization of the poverty and injustice in her life grows, the marigolds take on a different meaning for her, representing the ugliness and hopeless reality of her situation.
- Eventually, Lizabeth comes to realize that her violent destruction of the marigolds only further perpetuates the disillusionment she feels, and she begins to understand the complexities of the world and her place in it.
This disillusionment is not unique to Lizabeth, but rather a common experience for many young people who are coming of age in difficult circumstances. Collier highlights the universal nature of disillusionment through Lizabeth’s story, demonstrating that this is a theme that anyone can relate to.
Table:
| Character | Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Lizabeth | Marigolds | Hope, beauty, ugliness, and disillusionment |
Overall, “Marigolds” is a poignant exploration of the theme of disillusionment, using the symbol of the marigolds to represent the different emotions that come with this experience. Through Lizabeth’s story, Collier captures the complex emotions that come with growing up and discovering the harsh realities of the world.
How Lizabeth’s perspective changes throughout the story
Lizabeth’s perspective undergoes a dramatic transformation throughout the story, as she learns to see the world from a new perspective. This transformation is symbolized by the changing significance of the marigolds, which take on different meanings for her over time.
- Initially, Lizabeth sees the marigolds as a nuisance, something to be destroyed in her anger and frustration.
- However, after witnessing Miss Lottie’s tears and understanding the pain that the destruction of the marigolds causes, Lizabeth begins to see them in a different light.
- Finally, when Lizabeth has her own moment of despair and realizes the futility of her rage, she sees the marigolds as a symbol of beauty and hope in the midst of a harsh and unforgiving world.
As Lizabeth’s perspective changes, so too does her relationship to the marigolds, and the significance that they hold for her. This dynamic is captured in the following table:
| Stage | Symbolism of the marigolds |
|---|---|
| 1 | Nuisance, obstacle to be destroyed |
| 2 | Symbol of pain and loss |
| 3 | Symbol of beauty and resilience |
Through this transformation, Lizabeth learns an important lesson about empathy and humanity, and comes to see the world through new eyes. The marigolds serve as a powerful allegory for this journey, and remind us of the power of perspective to shape our experience of the world around us.
Significance of the marigolds in the climax of the story
Marigolds are significant for Lizabeth in many ways in the climax of the story. Here are some of the ways:
- Symbol of hope: At the beginning of the story, Lizabeth helps destroy Miss Lottie’s marigolds in a fit of anger and frustration. However, at the end of the story, when Lizabeth realizes the consequences of her actions, she feels guilty and tries to make amends. She plants new marigolds in place of the old ones, which symbolize hope for a better future.
- Symbol of beauty: In the climax of the story, as Lizabeth walks through Miss Lottie’s garden, she sees the new marigolds in bloom. The beauty of the flowers touches Lizabeth’s heart, and she becomes aware of the ugliness of her own actions. The marigolds symbolize the beauty that is possible in life, even in the midst of despair and poverty.
- Symbol of growth: The marigolds in the story also symbolize growth and renewal. Lizabeth’s realization of her own actions and her attempts to redeem herself show her own growth as a person. The new marigolds, blooming in the garden, also symbolize the growth and renewal that is possible in life, even after the worst of times.
Lastly, the marigolds in the climax of the story also serve as a reminder of the power of nature to heal and restore. While Lizabeth’s actions have caused harm, the beauty and growth of the marigolds offer the possibility of healing and hope for the future.
| Themes | Examples |
|---|---|
| Growth and renewal | The new marigolds symbolize growth and renewal |
| Hope | The marigolds symbolize hope for a better future |
| Beauty | The marigolds represent the beauty that is possible even in difficult times |
| Healing | The power of nature to heal and restore is represented by the marigolds in the story |
In conclusion, the marigolds in the climax of the story symbolize hope, beauty, growth, and renewal. They remind us of the power of nature to heal and restore, even in the darkest of times.
How do the Marigolds Symbolize Something Different for Lizabeth?
1. What do the marigolds represent in “Marigolds”?
The marigolds in “Marigolds” represent a symbol of hope and beauty, even in difficult times.
2. Why do the marigolds make Lizabeth angry?
The marigolds remind Lizabeth of her own life’s struggles and limitations, making her angry at their beauty and hopefulness.
3. How do the marigolds symbolize different things for Lizabeth and Miss Lottie?
For Lizabeth, the marigolds represent hope and promise, while for Miss Lottie, they symbolize the memories of her dead husband and the sadness of her current situation.
4. What do the marigolds represent for Lizabeth at the end of the story?
At the end of the story, the marigolds remind Lizabeth of the goodness that still exists in the world, even when it is hard to see.
5. How do the marigolds help Lizabeth grow?
The marigolds help Lizabeth grow by teaching her about empathy, maturity, and the power of hope.
6. What is the significance of Lizabeth destroying the marigolds?
Lizabeth destroying the marigolds represents her own growth and realization that hope and beauty are still attainable, even in tough situations.
7. What is the overall message of “Marigolds”?
The overall message of “Marigolds” is that even in times of hardship and adversity, beauty and hope can still exist and provide comfort and growth.
Closing Thoughts
Thank you for taking the time to read about how the marigolds symbolize something different for Lizabeth in “Marigolds.” It is important to remember that even in the toughest of times, hope and beauty can still be found and can help us grow and learn. Please feel free to visit again for more interesting articles.