9-17-14 The text for "Marigolds" and the questions that go with the story.

Text for "Marigolds"



Remember to rephrase the question in your answer, and remember to EXPLAIN your answers thoroughly!
Questions:
1.  How did you react to Lizabeth's destruction of the marigolds?
2.  Why does Lizabeth destroy Miss Lottie's marigolds?
     Think about:  the contrast between the marigolds and the shantytown in which Lizabeth lives; the anger and frustration in Lizabeth's family; and Lizabeth's feelings about herself.
3.  How does the climax of the story -- Lizabeth's destruction of the marigolds -- begin a rite of passage from childhood to the beginning of womanhood for Lizabeth?
4.  Why does Miss Lottie never plant marigolds again, despite Lizabeth's "wild contrition"  -- her sincere remorse?
5.  What do you think the narrator means at the end of the story when she says that she too has planted marigolds?
8.  Lizabeth's "wild contrition" does not seem to make Miss Lottie feel better or want to go back to raising marigolds. What do you think is the best way to make it up to someone we have deliberately hurt? What should we do if that person does not forgive us?

BONUS QUESTION:
What do the marigolds symbolize in this story?  What do they represent?  Your answer should explain why Ms. Lottie does not ever plant them again, why Lizabeth wanted to destroy them, and why she plants them now.