Miss Lottie is a central character in Eugenia W. Collier's short story "Marigolds." She is an older woman who lives in a dusty, impoverished neighborhood, where the harshness of life is palpable. Her presence evokes a complex mixture of feelings in the young narrator and her peers, oscillating between disdain and pity.
Sensory language brings Miss Lottie to life in vivid detail. Her small, crooked house is surrounded by the barren, unkempt landscape of dirt and weeds, a stark contrast to the vibrant marigolds she lovingly tends. The flowers, with their bright orange and yellow hues, stand out like tiny suns against the drab backdrop, drawing attention to Miss Lottie's resilience and passion. The air often carries the earthy scent of soil mixed with the sweet fragrance of the marigolds, a testament to her nurturing spirit amidst the desolation.
Visually, Miss Lottie is described as an elderly woman with a weathered face, her skin etched with the lines of hard living. Her hands, calloused and stained from years of labor, move with surprising grace as she cares for her flowers, emphasizing her connection to the earth and her unwavering hope. Her voice, often tinged with weariness, can resonate with a mix of determination and sorrow, reflecting the struggles she has endured.
To the young narrator, Miss Lottie represents a figure of strength, but also one of sorrow—the embodiment of dreams that have wilted under the weight of poverty. Through the vibrant marigolds she cultivates, Miss Lottie transcends her circumstances, reminding the community of beauty and hope in a world that often seems devoid of it.
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