Lizabeth's Growth In Marigolds By Eugenia Collier

Across centuries, characters have been an important part in carrying a plot. Animals, people and even thought-up species can be the main focus of the story, allowing the plot to move forward. Authors use character actions and thoughts as ways to illustrate the traits that each of them portray. These traits are important, as they assist the progression of the story. Throughout the plot of Marigolds by Eugenia Collier, Lizabeth’s growth is tracked through the traits she demonstrates. The story is about a girl who lives in a shanty town during the Great Depression. Fourteen year-old Lizabeth is followed along, by her future self, as she goes on a journey, which ultimately results in the loss of her innocence. Towards the beginning, Lizabeth was

She is seen with new hope that had not been there the night of the incident. Miss Lottie’s reaction to this childish act had changed Lizabeth’s perspective forever. As the harsh realities flooded her mind, Lizabeth had noticed the immense strength that Miss Lottie possessed. In a world full of hard times and sadness, Miss Lottie planted a garden of hope. When Lizabeth shares the effects that it had on her during her growth, she references her own marigolds. “Miss Lottie died long ago and many years have passed since I last saw her hut, completely barren at last, for despite my wild contrition she never planted marigolds again… And I too have planted marigolds.” (Collier 287) The flowers serve as a symbol of hope and optimism. Although all of Miss Lottie’s hope was gone after her flowers were destroyed, it was passed onto Lizabeth. This new found hope gave her reason and happiness in the world that she was introduced to after the incident. The event that occurred on that summer night may have been scarring, however it granted Lizabeth the ability to see that the future was not going to be all that bad. These marigolds changed Lizabeth’s perspective on growing up and made her sanguine of a better