Theme
What is one theme in Marigolds?
Loss of innocence / Coming of age / Compassion vs. cruelty
What is the main conflict in Marigolds?
Lizabeth struggles between childhood and maturity.
What type of irony is it when the necklace turns out to be fake?
Situational irony
Paraphrase this: “When I think of the hometown of my youth, all that I seem to remember is dust.” (Marigolds)
Her childhood memories are filled with poverty and bleakness.
Which story ends with situational irony?
The Necklace.
What theme does Mathilde’s desire for wealth in The Necklace reveal?
Vanity and pride can lead to suffering.
What type of characterization best describes Mathilde in The Necklace?
Indirect characterization: she is shown as vain and dissatisfied.
What type of irony is it when Mathilde believes she will be admired at the ball, but no one remembers her years later?
Situational irony
Paraphrase this: “She was prettier than any other woman: elegant, graceful, smiling, and full of joy.” (The Necklace)
Mathilde looked more beautiful and joyful than anyone else at the ball.
Which character undergoes more growth (Lizabeth or Mathilde)?
Lizabeth in Marigolds.
How does destroying the marigolds show Lizabeth’s struggle with growing up?
Her anger at the flowers reflects her frustration with childhood ending.
How does the setting of Depression-era Maryland shape the meaning of Marigolds?
It highlights poverty, which fuels Lizabeth’s frustration.
How is it ironic that Lizabeth destroys the only beauty Miss Lottie had?
She thought it would prove strength, but it revealed her own immaturity.
Paraphrase this: “And I had indeed lost my mind, for all the smoldering emotions of that summer swelled in me and burst.” (Marigolds)
Lizabeth admits her emotions took over, leading her to act recklessly.
Paraphrase this: “She thought she was born for luxury.” (The Necklace)
Mathilde believed she deserved a rich lifestyle.
What theme is common to both The Necklace and Marigolds?
Harsh realities of life destroy illusions.
Which symbol best represents Miss Lottie’s hope in Marigolds?
The marigolds.
Explain how situational irony works in The Necklace’s ending.
The reader understands the cruel twist before Mathilde realizes the full weight of her wasted life.
Summarize the Necklace.
Answers will vary.
What literary element is central to both stories?
Conflict between illusion and reality.
Which detail best supports the theme of regret in The Necklace?
Mathilde realizing after 10 years that the necklace was fake.
How does Maupassant use irony as a literary element in The Necklace?
The twist ending reinforces the theme that vanity leads to downfall.
How does the irony in The Necklace develop its theme?
The twist shows how pride and materialism can ruin lives for nothing.
Summarize Marigolds.
Answers will vary.
How do both authors use irony differently?
Collier: irony reveals immaturity and growth; Maupassant: irony punishes pride.