In "Marigolds" by Eugenia W. Collier, the exposition introduces readers to the setting, characters, and the central conflicts of the story. The narrative takes place during the Great Depression in a poor, rural environment, reflecting the struggles faced by the community.
The protagonist, Lizabeth, is a young girl on the cusp of adolescence. She is grappling with the transition from childhood to adulthood, which introduces inner conflicts about identity and societal expectations. Lizabeth's family situation, particularly her relationship with her father and her feelings of confusion and frustration, sets the stage for the themes of innocence, perception, and compassion that unfold later in the story.
The exposition effectively establishes the emotional landscape and the socio-economic context of the characters, particularly Lizabeth’s youthful naivety and her misunderstandings about the complexities of adult life, paving the way for her transformative experiences as the story progresses.