Coming Of Age Elements In Marigolds By Eugenia Collier

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In the coming of age short story “Marigolds” by Eugenia Collier, the author creates a coming of age moment for the main character Lizabeth when she destroys Miss Lottie's marigolds. This event causes a moral development for Lizabeth, as she learns of the harms the innocence of childhood can cause and of the necessities of compassion. This development is shown in the author’s use of characterization and symbolism. The author uses characterization to showcase the coming of age elements at various points throughout the story, but especially around the turning points; the final destruction of the marigolds and the aftermath. “I had indeed lost my mind, for all the smoldering emotions of that summer swelled in me and burst—the great need for my