Table of contentsIntroductionBody paragraphConclusionIn Eugenia W. Collier's short story "Marigolds", the protagonist, Lizabeth, undergoes a profound transformation that symbolizes the transition childhood innocence to mature empathy. Set during the Great Depression in a poor, rural African-American community, the story explores themes of poverty, despair, and the loss of innocence. Lizabeth's change is catalyzed by her destructive act of uprooting Miss Lottie's worries, leading to a moment of self-realization and growth. This essay examines the crucial moments that contribute to Lizabeth's development and how her actions and accomplishments reflect broader human experiences. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned"?Get the original essayIntroductionLisabeth's journey in "Marigolds" is emblematic of a universal rite of passage from childhood to adulthood. Collier skillfully uses setting, characters, and symbols to illustrate Lizabeth's inner turmoil and eventual enlightenment. Marigolds, in particular, provide a powerful symbol of beauty and hope in the midst of desolation, a stark contrast to the aridity of Lizabeth's environment. Through Lizabeth's interactions with her family, her community, and Miss Lottie, Collier delves into the complexities of human emotions and the painful but necessary process of growing up. awareness of adult realities. The story's setting, during the Great Depression, frames his life with economic hardship and limited opportunities, creating an atmosphere of frustration and despair. Lizabeth's family struggles to make ends meet, and her father's unemployment exacerbates family tensions. This environment creates a feeling of helplessness in Lizabeth, who is unable to understand the reasons for her family's suffering. Therefore, she seeks an outlet for her emotions, which leads her to the fateful night where she destroys Miss Lottie's worries. The Troubles represent an important turning point in Lizabeth's life. Miss Lottie's garden is a rare splash of color and life in an otherwise dark and dusty landscape. For Lizabeth, vibrant flowers are a source of confusion and resentment; they symbolize a beauty and hope that seems out of place in his world of despair. His decision to destroy the worries is motivated by a complex mix of anger, confusion, and the desire to assert control over something in his life. This act of destruction, however, is not simply a childish tantrum but a critical moment that propels Lizabeth toward self-awareness. As Lizabeth reflects on her actions, she feels a deep sense of guilt and regret. Witnessing Miss Lottie's reaction – her silent, stoic acceptance of loss – forces Lizabeth to confront the impact of her behavior on others. This moment of empathy is a key element of his transformation. Lizabeth realizes that Miss Lottie, despite her dour exterior, is also a victim of circumstance, clinging to her worries as a symbol of hope and resilience. The destruction of the flowers thus becomes a metaphor for the loss of innocence and the harsh awakening to the complexity of human suffering. Through this pivotal experience, Lizabeth begins to understand the importance of compassion and empathy. She recognizes that her initial perception of Miss Lottie was superficial and that her actions had more serious consequences than she anticipated. This new awareness marks Lizabeth's transition from a child.