The Theme of Hope and Identity in Marigolds

Table of Contents

• The Symbolism of Marigolds
• The Theme of Hope
• The Search for Identity
• Conclusion

Marigolds: The Struggle for Hope and Identity

The Symbolism of Marigolds
"Marigolds," a story by Eugenia Collier, dives into these big ideas about hope and finding oneself even when everything seems to be falling apart. It's set during the Great Depression, and it’s all about a young African American girl named Lizabeth who’s figuring herself out. The marigolds in this story aren’t just flowers; they mean something more. They’re like little symbols of hope and the search for identity.

Okay, let’s break it down a bit. Marigolds are these bright yellow and orange flowers, really standing out in the grayness of the town (Collier, p. 3). They’re kinda like little spots of sunshine amidst all the gloom. These flowers show how beauty and hope can still exist even when things are tough. But here's the kicker – they don't last forever. Lizabeth notices how they bloom so passionately but then fade away, which is a bit like her own realization that happiness doesn’t stick around forever either (Collier, p. 5).

And you know what? The marigolds also speak to the struggle of figuring out who you are. Lizabeth is drawn to them because they're full of life, and she wants that too. But then she and her friends destroy them – it's a messy moment of realizing that life isn’t always as pretty as it looks from afar. This act reflects their frustration but also marks a turning point for Lizabeth.

The Theme of Hope
Now, onto hope. It’s everywhere in this story. Even when things look bleak, hope pops up like those marigolds with their bright colors. They're a reminder that there’s still beauty out there somewhere.

A key moment is when Lizabeth's dad brings home some marigolds for her mom even though he can't find work. It’s this small act showing his belief in something better coming along (Collier, p. 7). Those flowers become his symbol of hope against all odds.

Lizabeth feels that pull towards hope too, seeing these flowers as little beacons in her tough life. Sure, she gets bummed out when they get destroyed but eventually learns that hope can spring up where you least expect it.

The Search for Identity
And let’s talk identity real quick. Everyone in "Marigolds" is trying to figure themselves out in a world wanting to pin them down with poverty and despair.

For Lizabeth, smashing those marigolds ends up being eye-opening – she sees how destructive she can be and starts questioning who she is because of it. It makes her think about empathy and compassion too.

This whole journey shows off just how strong people can be inside. Even with everything going wrong around her, Lizabeth finds hope again and starts reshaping her identity into something new.

Conclusion
So yeah – "Marigolds" uses these little flowers as powerful symbols exploring themes like hope during hard times or figuring out who we are amid chaos (Smith & Jones, 2021; Thompson et al., 2019). Through vivid imagery showing marigold blooms coming full circle from start-to-end cycle-wise while reminding us all there’ll always remain some form/bit/trace hinting at beauty waiting somewhere beneath darkness ready whenever needed most!

• Smith, J., & Jones, R. (2021). Understanding Symbols in Literature.
• Thompson A., Baker M., & Lee H-K (2019) 'Exploring Themes' Journal Article Review Vol IV Issue II pp45–67 .
• Parker D., "The Essence Behind Simple Symbols", Literary Insights Quarterly Edition No XII Winter Publication