1. Marigolds
By Eugenia W. Collier

2. Symbolism
What do you think subject of the title “Marigolds” may symbolize?
What other symbol exists on page 122?
What does may it symbolize?

3. Imagery
Highlight some of the imagery we experience on pages 122 and 123.
What is the author trying to convey with these images?

4. Figurative Language
What metaphors does the speaker use to describe poverty?
What effect does this have on you the reader and your understanding of the text?
What effect does this have on the attitude and tone of the text?

5. Figurative Language Pg 124-125
Highlight the figurative language and imagery created by the author.
Write down in your notes how this affects tone and attitude.

6. Pg 126-Analyze
“I said before that we children were not consciously aware of how thick were the bars of our cage.”
Paraphrase what the author is saying with this remark.

7. Pg 127
Split Personality
What are signs of the narrators torn existence between childhood and adulthood.

8. Pg 128 Why is Lizabeth’s father’s words and sobs so disturbing to her?
Why does this scene motivate her to her next actions? (pg 129)

9. Pg 130
Climax: What is the climax or turning point of the story?

10. Coming of Age
How does Lizabeth change in the moment she comes face to face with Miss Lottie? What does she recognize in Miss Lottie’s face?
What does she realize in this moment?

11. Symbolism
Infer
Infer
Why does Miss Lottie never plant marigolds again, despite Lizabeth’s “wild contrition” – her sincere remorse?
Interpret what marigolds symbolized to Miss Lottie and what they symbolize to the grown-up Lizabeth?
What do you think the narrator means at the end of the story when she says that she too has planted marigold?

12. Tone
What words or phrases reveal the narrator’s attitude, or tone, toward her enviornment?
Her growth process
Mrs. Lottie

13. Theme List some of the themes that emerge from this story.
Write a thematic statement about 3 of the subjects from the list. What insights did we gain about this subject from the analysis of the text?