In "Marigolds," set during the Great Depression in a dusty, impoverished town, Miss Lottie responds to her circumstances with an air of resilience and pride. The story unfolds in an arid landscape, emphasizing the struggles of a marginalized community. The mood transitions from childhood innocence to harsh reality as the protagonist, Lizzie, grapples with her feelings towards Miss Lottie and the marigolds she cultivates.
Miss Lottie, an elderly woman, embodies a complex mix of strength and vulnerability. Despite her poverty and the derision she faces from local children, she continues to nurture her marigolds with passion. When Lizzie and her friends mock her and destroy her flowers, Miss Lottie reacts with a mixture of sorrow and quiet dignity. Her eyes reflect pain, but she stands firm, highlighting her unwavering spirit amidst adversity.
As Lizzie witnesses Miss Lottie's response, she grapples with her own emotions—shame, guilt, and an emerging understanding of compassion. Miss Lottie’s resilience in the face of cruelty serves as a catalyst for Lizzie's coming-of-age journey, marking the moment when she begins to recognize the beauty in perseverance and the complexity of human dignity.