In the short story "Marigolds" by Eugenia W. Collier, the character John Burke (Joey) is the son of a mother and father who are not prominently featured in the narrative. However, their influence is subtly woven into the fabric of Joey’s experiences and the broader themes of the story.
Joey's father is described as a figure who embodies the harsh realities of life in their economically depressed environment. He is often frustrated and struggling, representing the burdens of adulthood and the loss of dreams. This creates an atmosphere of tension and hardship within the family, impacting Joey's perspective on life and growth.
Joey's mother is characterized by her nurturing nature, but she also deals with the struggles of poverty and the difficult circumstances surrounding their life. She works to maintain some sense of normalcy and care within the family, often trying to shield her children from the harshness of their reality.
Overall, while Joey's parents are not the central focus of the story, their characteristics and challenges help to illustrate the impact of socioeconomic struggles on families and play a crucial role in shaping Joey’s understanding of life as he experiences both innocence and the loss of it throughout the story. This background contributes to the story's themes of growing up, empathy, and the loss of innocence, ultimately culminating in Joey's interactions with Lizabeth and the poignant realization of life's complexities.
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