In the short story "Marigolds" by Eugenia W. Collier, Miss Lottie exhibits a strong emotional resilience amidst the challenges she faces. Her reaction to the events around her reflects both her vulnerability and her underlying strength.
As the story unfolds, several key events contribute to the rising action:
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The Children’s Bullying: The neighborhood children, including the narrator Liz, taunt Miss Lottie and her marigolds, expressing disdain for her efforts to cultivate beauty in their impoverished environment.
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Miss Lottie’s Defense: Miss Lottie stands her ground against the children, refusing to be deterred by their mockery. She passionately defends her marigolds, indicating the significance of her work in an otherwise bleak context.
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The Drought: The harsh conditions of the surrounding environment intensify as the story progresses, showcasing the struggles of Miss Lottie to maintain her garden. The drought symbolizes the broader struggles of poverty and hopelessness faced by the community.
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Liz’s Emotional Conflict: As Liz witnesses the tension between the beauty of Miss Lottie's marigolds and the harshness of their reality, she experiences a growing conflict within herself. She grapples with the desire to respect Miss Lottie's efforts while also feeling pressure from her peers to join in their ridicule.
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The Climactic Act of Destruction: In a fit of adolescent frustration, Liz and some of the other children destroy Miss Lottie’s marigolds. This act of vandalism becomes a pivotal moment, prompting Miss Lottie to react with a mix of sorrow and defiance, highlighting her resilience in the face of cruelty.
Throughout these events, Miss Lottie's reaction encapsulates her strength of character as she continues to nurture her dream of beauty, despite the persistent negativity surrounding her.