In "Marigolds" by Eugenia W. Collier, the rising action begins as Lizabeth, the protagonist, and her friends begin to interact with Miss Lottie, an older woman in their community known for her beautiful marigolds. The story unfolds as Lizabeth grapples with the transition from childhood to adolescence, illustrated through her interactions with Miss Lottie and her environment.
During the rising action, Lizabeth and the other children exhibit a sense of immaturity and cruelty, particularly when they mock Miss Lottie's marigolds, which are a stark contrast to the dry, dusty surroundings of their impoverished locality. Miss Lottie observes Lizabeth and her friends with a mix of understanding and concern. She notices the unruly behavior of the children and likely feels a sense of sadness or frustration as they misbehave, reflecting the innocence lost in her own years.
Her concern might revolve around wanting the children to appreciate the beauty she creates and understand the importance of kindness and empathy. Miss Lottie perceives that their actions stem from a mixture of ignorance and youthful rebellion, idly highlighting the differences between their harsh realities and her hopeful expressions of beauty in the marigolds.
As the incident escalates—when the children destroy her marigolds—Miss Lottie likely feels hurt and disheartened. She might reflect on her unfulfilled dreams and aspirations, lamenting the lost innocence of the children while grappling with her own feelings of isolation. Through this interaction, the story delves deep into themes of compassion, the loss of innocence, and the understanding of beauty amid hardship, marking a significant moment in Lizabeth's emotional journey as she begins to recognize the complexity of the adult world.