"Marigolds"

"Marigolds"

"Marigolds" Questions

Answer the following questions in complete sentences. Use the question as part of your answer. Include specific details from the story as well as quotes where appropriate. Place the page number of the quote in ( ).

1. In the first two pages of the story, the narrator describes the setting of her childhood. As an adult she is remembering back to her childhood and describing the images that come to mind.

2. Describe the setting of her childhood literally (describe how it looked). Then describe the images or memories that she has of the place where she grew up (the visual images and the feelings).

3. Why do Miss Lottie’s marigolds seem out of place? Use details from the story.

4. After the kids tease and taunt Miss Lottie, how does the narrator feel?

5. How does Elizabeth feel when she witnesses her father’s tears? (describe her reaction to her mother and father in this scene and tell how it makes her feel).

6. Describe what the narrator does to Miss Lottie’s marigolds after she sees her father cry. Why do you think she acts this way? How did you feel when you read this scene?

7. What does the narrator mean when she says "that violent crazy act was the moment when childhood faded and womanhood began"?

8. Compare this scene with the scene from "A Taste of Melon". Describe how they are similar and then tell which person (which narrator) was more destructive by his/her actions. Explain your answer.

9. Explain what you think the marigolds symbolized in the story.