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    Marigold

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    gao210103
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    Marigold

    Uploaded by

    gao210103
    2 views4 pages
    Book

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    © © All Rights Reserved

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    Book

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
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    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    2 views4 pages

    Marigold

    Uploaded by

    gao210103
    Book

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    You are on page 1of 4

    # Unveiling the Profoundness of "Marigolds"

    ## I. Introduction

    Dear friends, today we are going to embark on a journey into

    the world of the novel "Marigolds" by Eugenia Collier. This

    remarkable work not only reflects a specific historical era but

    also delves deep into the human psyche and the process of

    growth.

    ## II. Historical Background

    The story of "Marigolds" unfolds during the 1930s, a time of

    the Great Depression in the United States. It was a period of

    extreme economic hardship. Unemployment rates soared,

    and families across the nation were struggling to make ends

    meet. For African Americans, the situation was even more

    dire. They faced not only the economic challenges that

    plagued the entire country but also the persistent and unjust

    burden of racial discrimination. Eugenia Collier drew from

    her own early life experiences in rural Maryland to create a

    vivid portrait of this era. In this context, the characters in the

    novel are constantly shaped and influenced by the poverty

    and social inequalities that surround them. Their lives are a


    testament to the resilience and the struggle of a community

    trying to survive in the face of overwhelming odds.

    ## III. Nostalgia and Reverie of the Past

    In the novel, we can feel a strong sense of nostalgia. The

    protagonist, Elizabeth, often looks back on her childhood.

    The dusty roads, the simple houses, and especially the

    marigolds that stood out in the midst of that dusty

    environment, all become symbols of her past. These

    memories are bittersweet. They are filled with the joys of

    childhood innocence, like the games children played and the

    carefree laughter. But at the same time, there is a tinge of

    sadness, perhaps due to the hardships that were also a part

    of that life. The nostalgia is not just about personal

    memories but also about a way of life that was disappearing.

    It gives us a window into a bygone era, making us

    understand how the past can shape a person's identity and

    perspective. It makes us reflect on our own memories and

    how they influence who we are today.

    ## IV. The Dichotomy of Innocence and the Birth of Empathy

    At the beginning of the story, Elizabeth and the other


    children are in a state of pure innocence. They are naïve and

    unaware of the consequences of their actions. They tease

    Miss Lottie, an old woman in the community, and they throw

    stones at her marigolds. They even laugh at her son who has

    some mental disabilities. But as the story progresses, a

    transformation occurs. When Elizabeth sees the pain and

    sadness on Miss Lottie's face after the marigolds are

    destroyed, something clicks in her. She starts to understand

    that her actions have caused real harm. This is the birth of

    empathy. The contrast between her initial innocence and the

    emerging empathy is a powerful theme. It shows us how life

    experiences can change a person, how we can grow from

    being self-centered to being more aware of others' feelings.

    It also makes us think about the importance of empathy in

    our own lives and how we can cultivate it.

    ## V. From the Embrace of Youth to the Realm of Adulthood

    Elizabeth's journey is also one of growing up. In her youth,

    she is carefree and only concerned with the immediate

    pleasures and small dramas of childhood. But as the events

    in the story unfold, she is forced to face the harsh realities of

    life. The poverty, the discrimination, and the consequences


    of her own actions all contribute to her transition into

    adulthood. When she destroys the marigolds, it is a symbolic

    act of leaving her childhood behind. She starts to take

    responsibility for her actions and to understand the

    complexity of the world. This process is not easy. It is filled

    with pain and self-doubt. But it is also a necessary part of

    growing up. It shows us that adulthood is not just about age

    but about a state of mind, a willingness to face the

    challenges and to learn from our mistakes.

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