Eugenia Collier's short story “Marigolds” is a touching and powerful exploration of the theme of innocence lost. Set during the Great Depression in a small, impoverished town in rural Maryland, the story follows the protagonist, a young girl named Lizabeth, as she grapples with the harsh realities of the world around her. Through the vivid images of marigolds and the stark contrast between the beauty of the flowers and the ugliness of the city, Collier masterfully weaves a narrative that delves into the loss of childhood innocence and the painful transition to adulthood. In this essay I will explore the theme of innocence lost in “Marigolds” and its broader implications for the human experience. I will examine the historical and social context in which the story is set, as well as the psychological and emotional impact of the theme on the characters and the reader. By analyzing the symbolism and character development in the story, I will argue that “Marigolds” offers a profound commentary on the universal struggle to reconcile the loss of innocence with the harsh realities of life. Ultimately, this essay will demonstrate how Collier's “Marigolds” resonates with readers by capturing the bittersweet nature of growing up and the enduring human search for hope and beauty in the face of adversity. The first paragraph will focus on the historical and social context of “Marigolds” and how it contributes to the theme of innocence lost. The topic sentence might be: The Depression-era setting of “Marigolds” serves as a powerful backdrop for the theme of innocence lost. This section will delve into the economic hardship and social inequality that Lizabeth and her community face, providing evidence of how the harsh realities of their environment contribute to the loss of innocence. For example, the description of the slum and the poor families struggling to make ends meet highlights the desolation of their existence. The commentary will explain how these conditions force Lizabeth to confront the adult world prematurely, depriving her of the carefree innocence of childhood. The paragraph will conclude by highlighting how the historical and social context of the story reinforces the theme of lost innocence and sets the stage for Lizabeth's emotional journey. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The second body paragraph will focus on the symbolism of marigolds and their significance in conveying the theme of innocence lost. The topic sentence might be: The marigolds in “Marigolds” serve as a poignant symbol of the loss of innocence and the fleeting nature of beauty. This paragraph will analyze the vivid images of marigolds and how they represent the contrast between fleeting beauty and the harsh realities of life. For example, the description of marigolds as “the only beauty we could see” amidst a desolate landscape reflects the fleeting moments of beauty amidst hardship. The commentary will discuss how the symbolism of marigolds highlights Lizabeth's realization of the impermanence of innocence and beauty, as well as the bitter truth of the world around her. The paragraph will conclude by highlighting the powerful impact of marigolds as a symbol and how it reinforces the theme of innocence lost in history. The third body paragraph will focus on Lizabeth's character development and her emotional journey as she grapples with the loss. of innocence. The topic sentence might be: Lizabeth's emotional journey in “Marigolds” reflects the universal struggle to reconcile the loss of innocence with the harsh realities of life. This paragraph will analyze the internal conflicts and emotional turmoil of.