In "Marigolds" by Eugenia W. Collier, the climax of the story occurs when the protagonist, Lizabeth, reacts to her overwhelming emotions and the pressures of adolescence. This moment is pivotal because it marks a significant turning point in her character development. Lizabeth, feeling frustrated and confused, destroys Miss Lottie’s marigolds, which are a symbol of beauty and hope in the harsh surroundings of their impoverished neighborhood.
This act of destruction is the culmination of Lizabeth's internal conflict—her transition from childhood innocence to the complexities of adulthood. By destroying the marigolds, Lizabeth inadvertently resolves her conflict with Miss Lottie, albeit through an act of aggression, as she is grappling with her own loss of innocence.
For Miss Lottie, the conflict is more nuanced. The destruction of her marigolds represents not just an attack on her flowers but also the pain of being marginalized and neglected within the community, as her flowers symbolize her resilience and hope amid poverty. Lizabeth's realization after the event—that she has not only hurt Miss Lottie but also dismantled something beautiful—signals a critical moment of understanding and empathy for both characters.
The resolution emerges when Lizabeth comprehends the implications of her actions. She recognizes that life is not just about poverty and despair, but also about the resilience and beauty that can shine through, symbolized by Miss Lottie's marigolds. This new understanding forces Lizabeth to confront her own feelings of anger and confusion, allowing her to grow emotionally and maturely.
Thus, while the direct conflict may seem resolved through destruction, ultimately, it leads to a deeper understanding and acknowledgment of beauty and pain, hope and despair, within both Ms. Lottie and Lizabeth herself. The marigolds thus serve as a powerful symbol of the lessons learned through confronting one's emotions and the complexities of life.
1 answer