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  • Essay / Marigolds by Eugenia Collier Summary

    Marigolds by Eugenia Collier is a poignant short story that explores themes of innocence, poverty, and the loss of the wonders of childhood. Through the eyes of the young protagonist, Lizabeth, the story delves into the harsh realities of childhood in a poor rural community during the Great Depression. This essay will focus on the theme of loss of innocence in Marigolds, examining how the characters' experiences shape their understanding of the world around them. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay One of the central themes of Marigolds is the loss of innocence, as seen through Lizabeth's journey to adulthood. At the beginning of the story, Lizabeth is a carefree and fun-loving child who enjoys the simple pleasures of life, such as playing with her friends on the dusty streets of her poor neighborhood. However, as she witnesses her father's struggle to provide for the family and the despair of Mrs. Lottie, a destitute neighbor, Lizabeth's perception of the world begins to change. As Lizabeth grapples with the harsh realities of poverty and despair, she experiences deep emotion. loss of innocence which marks his transition to adulthood. This loss is symbolized by his destructive act of tearing up Mrs. Lottie's beloved marigold flowers, which represent beauty and hope amid the sadness of their surroundings. In this pivotal moment, Lizabeth confronts the harshness of life and the fragility of innocence, realizing that the world is not always good or fair. To support this analysis, it is important to consider the broader implications of the loss of innocence in literature and psychology. According to psychologist James Garbarino, the loss of innocence is a common theme in coming-of-age stories, reflecting the universal experience of transitioning from childhood to adulthood. In his book "Lost Boys: Why Our Sons Turn Violent and How We Can Save Them," Garbarino explores how exposure to violence, poverty and trauma can shatter a child's innocence and lead to consequences negative in adulthood. The novel "The Catcher in the Rye" also explores the theme of loss of innocence through the character of Holden Caulfield, a disillusioned teenager who struggles to navigate the complexities of adulthood. Like Lizabeth in Marigolds, Holden struggles with the harsh realities of life and the loss of the wonder of childhood, ultimately seeking refuge in a world of fantasy and nostalgia. One of the key moments in Marigolds that highlights Lizabeth's loss of innocence is when she witnesses her father's death. emotional breakdown after losing your job. This event is a stark reminder of the harsh economic realities that hit their community during the Great Depression. Collier writes: “I saw my father's shoulders slump as if they were too heavy for him, and then he laid his head on his arms and began to cry” (Collier). These powerful images show Lizabeth realizing that her father, whom she always considered strong and resilient, is vulnerable in the face of poverty and despair. This moment marks a turning point in Lizabeth's understanding of the world, as she grapples with the harshness of life and the loss of the innocence of her childhood. Additionally, the character of Mrs. Lottie is a poignant example of the impact of the loss of innocence on individuals experiencing poverty. Mrs. Lottie's once vibrant and colorful marigold garden, which symbolizes hope and beauty in the midst of hardship, is destroyed by Lizabeth in a moment of anger and.