To retell "Marigolds" from Miss Lottie's point of view, you'll need to shift the narrative focus to her thoughts, feelings, and experiences surrounding the events of the story. Here’s a guide to help you structure your essay:
Introduction
- Introduce Miss Lottie: Provide a brief background about her character, her life in the dusty, poverty-stricken town, and her connection to the marigolds.
- Thesis Statement: State that the essay will explore her perspective on the events that unfold, particularly with Lizabeth destroying her marigolds.
Body Paragraphs
1. Miss Lottie's Life and Resilience
- Describe her struggles: Discuss the hardships she faces as a poor black woman, living in a society that overlooks her.
- Connection to the Marigolds: Explain why she plants marigolds—these flowers symbolize her hope and beauty in an otherwise bleak environment. Consider her feelings towards that act of creation.
2. The Community’s View of Miss Lottie
- Perception by Others: Elaborate on how the children in the community perceive Miss Lottie and her marigolds. Perhaps include how she feels about their teasing or lack of understanding.
- Isolation: Reflect on her loneliness and the bittersweet pleasure derived from her marigolds being a form of defiance against her circumstances.
3. The Day of the Destruction
- Emotions Before the Incident: Describe Miss Lottie’s feelings on the day Lizabeth destroys the marigolds. Perhaps she feels a sense of pride as she tends to her flowers, unaware of the turmoil brewing in Lizabeth.
- The Moment of Destruction: Capture her shock and devastation as she witnesses Lizabeth tearing her marigolds apart. Use vivid imagery to convey her emotional response—perhaps a mix of disbelief, pain, anger, and sorrow.
4. Reflection on the Event
- Understanding Lizabeth's Actions: Try to empathize with Lizabeth’s perspective as Miss Lottie observes the chaos. Explore what she may think about the youth’s struggle with growing up.
- Hope Amid Destruction: Discuss how, despite the destruction, Miss Lottie’s resilience shines through. Consider her thoughts on how beauty can emerge from devastation and how she remains hopeful for the future.
Conclusion
- Summing Up Her Perspective: Reflect on how this event impacts Miss Lottie's view of her place in the world and her continued resolve to cultivate beauty despite challenges.
- Legacy of the Marigolds: Conclude by discussing the lasting impact of the marigolds on Miss Lottie and the community, highlighting themes of hope, resilience, and understanding.
Additional Tips
- Use first-person narration to give a personal touch to Miss Lottie's voice.
- Incorporate sensory details relating to her flowers and surroundings to enrich the description.
- Reflect on themes of understanding, empathy, and the intersection of beauty and pain from Miss Lottie’s point of view.
By focusing on Miss Lottie's internal landscape and emotional responses throughout the narrative, you’ll create a compelling retelling that deepens the reader's understanding of her character and the significance of the marigolds.