Lizabeth is the protagonist of the short story "Marigolds" by Eugenia W. Collier. She is a young girl transitioning into adolescence, grappling with the complexities of growing up and her changing emotions. Lizabeth is characterized by her innocence, her struggles with her emotions, and her desire to understand the world around her.
Key points about Lizabeth include:
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Youth and Innocence: At the start of the story, Lizabeth is a child whose understanding of the world is limited. She experiences a profound change as she confronts the realities of life and her family's struggles.
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Emotional Turmoil: Lizabeth experiences confusion and frustration, particularly in relation to her father, her own identity, and her feelings toward Miss Lottie, the elderly woman who tends to her marigolds. The marigolds symbolize beauty and hope in a difficult environment.
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Turning Point: A pivotal moment in the story occurs when Lizabeth destroys Miss Lottie's marigolds in a fit of rage. This act signifies her loss of innocence and her emotional turmoil. It marks her transition from childhood to a more complex understanding of life.
In terms of conflict, Lizabeth experiences primarily "Man vs. Himself." This internal struggle reflects her battle with her own emotions, her identity, and her understanding of the world as she processes her feelings regarding her family situation and the changes occurring within her. While there are external elements (such as her relationship with Miss Lottie), the core of Lizabeth's conflict revolves around her internal struggles during a critical stage of her development.