Characters
Who is the protagonist? Who is their brother?
Lizabeth / Joey
What do the marigolds represent to Miss Lottie?
Hope, joy, light in a time where there was a lot of darkness
What is the central theme of Marigolds?
Coming of age and the loss of innocence
How is Lizabeth's town described in the first 4 paragraphs of the story?
Brown, dusty, dirt roads, an "impoverished little community."
What is Lizabeth Like in the beginning of the story?
She is an adolescent; she's immature and childish
RANDOM QUESTION!
What do you call a group of flamingos?
Flamboyance
What do the Marigolds represent to the children?
Jealousy
How does poverty influence the theme of Marigolds?
It emphasizes the struggle to find beauty and hope
When is the story set? General time period and historical context.
1930s / The Great Depression
What do Lizabeth, Joey, and the other kids like to do to Miss Lottie?
They like to tease her and throw rocks at her marigolds
RANDOM QUESTION!
Which famous celebrity got engaged yesterday? And to who?
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce!!!!
In which cultural celebration are marigolds commonly used?
Day of the Dead
How does the theme of empathy emerge in Marigolds?
Through Lizabeth's realization of Miss Lottie's pain.
What is the overall tone of Marigolds? How does the tone shift when Lizabeth destroys the marigolds?
Reflective and somber / The tone goes from confused to remorseful
Why does Lizabeth destroy Miss Lottie's marigolds?
She's overwhelmed by confusion and emotional turmoil.
Which character do the children like to torment? Who is her son?
Miss Lottie / John Burke
What do the Marigolds symbolize to Lizabeth?
The transition from adolescence to adulthood
What theme is represented by Lizabeth reflecting on her actions of destroying Miss Lottie's marigolds, then planting marigolds of her own?
Compassion; "This was the beginning of compassion, and one cannot have both innocence and compassion."
How does the setting influence the tone of the story?
The setting emphasizes the bleakness and hardship of the characters' lives.
How does Lizabeth's perspective change after she destroys the marigolds?
This was "the moment when childhood faded and adulthood began." She realizes that the witch was not actually a witch, but rather a broken old woman.
Which character breaks down because they cannot provide for the family?
Lizabeth's dad
How does Miss Lottie's reaction to the destruction of her marigolds enhance their symbolic meaning?
She expresses quiet sorrow - no rage - which deepens the symbolism of marigolds. The marigolds were a part of Miss Lottie, and their destruction took a piece of her away.
What does Lizabeth’s emotional breakdown reveal about the complexity of the coming-of-age theme in Marigolds?
It reflects the internal conflict and emotional depth required for personal growth
Briefly describe a scene where the setting makes an impact on the mood.
Many responses possible
What does Lizabeth decide to do as an adult?
Plant marigolds of her own!