In the short story "Marigolds" by Eugenia W. Collier, the climax occurs when the protagonist, Lizabeth, confronts her internal conflict and acts on her emotions in a moment of anger and confusion. At this point, Lizabeth destroys Miss Lottie’s marigolds, which symbolize beauty and hope in the midst of the harsh realities of life.
The conflict that is resolved for Miss Lottie revolves around her relationship with the children in the neighborhood, particularly Lizabeth. Miss Lottie is portrayed as a woman who finds solace in her marigolds, which she lovingly cultivates despite the poverty and adversity she faces. These flowers represent her dreams and aspirations, and they are a source of joy for her, even if they are often met with ridicule by the local children.
When Lizabeth destroys the marigolds, it signifies a turning point for her character. She realizes the impact of her actions on Miss Lottie and the significance of the marigolds in her life. The act of destruction leads Lizabeth to confront her own coming-of-age struggles and the loss of childhood innocence. The conflict is resolved in the sense that Lizabeth gains a deeper understanding of empathy, compassion, and the complexities of adulthood, as well as the challenges that Miss Lottie faces.
In this moment of realization, Lizabeth learns about the fragility of dreams, both her own and those of others, particularly Miss Lottie. The resolution of this conflict is not necessarily tied to a positive outcome for Miss Lottie’s flowers, as they are destroyed, but rather it is a moment of growth for Lizabeth, marking her transition into adulthood and understanding the pain and struggles others endure. Through this experience, Lizabeth acknowledges her responsibility towards her community and the people in it, including Miss Lottie.
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