Symbolism in marigolds by eugenia collier – Symbolism in Eugenia Collier’s “Marigolds” plays a pivotal role in shaping the narrative, revealing the complexities of characters and themes. Through the exploration of various symbols, the story delves into the inner workings of the human psyche, societal norms, and the transformative power of hope.
Eugenia Collier’s skillful use of symbolism allows readers to delve into the characters’ motivations, emotions, and conflicts, enriching the story’s emotional depth and resonance.
Literary Symbolism
Literary symbolism is a technique in literature where objects, characters, actions, or colors are used to represent abstract ideas, emotions, or concepts. It enhances the story’s depth and provides multiple layers of meaning for readers to explore.
Common symbols used in literature include:
- The color red:passion, love, anger, danger
- Water:life, purification, rebirth
- Light:hope, knowledge, enlightenment
- Animals:specific traits or qualities, such as the lion for courage or the snake for deception
Symbolism in “Marigolds”
Eugenia Collier’s short story “Marigolds” employs several symbols to convey its themes and develop its characters.
The Marigolds
The marigolds in the story represent the narrator’s dreams and aspirations. Their beauty and resilience symbolize her hope for a better future despite the challenges she faces.
The Fire
The fire that destroys the marigolds symbolizes the destruction of the narrator’s dreams. It represents the harsh realities of life and the obstacles that prevent her from achieving her goals.
The Dollar Bill
The dollar bill found in the fire represents the narrator’s father’s absence and his inability to provide for his family. It symbolizes the economic struggles and social inequalities that the narrator and her family face.
Character Analysis through Symbolism: Symbolism In Marigolds By Eugenia Collier
Symbolism in “Marigolds” helps develop the characters by revealing their motivations, emotions, and conflicts.
The Narrator, Symbolism in marigolds by eugenia collier
The narrator’s love for the marigolds reveals her desire for beauty and her hope for a better life. The fire’s destruction of the marigolds symbolizes her disappointment and the challenges she faces.
The Father
The dollar bill represents the father’s absence and his inability to fulfill his responsibilities. The narrator’s search for the dollar bill reveals her longing for a father figure and her desire for stability.
Theme and Symbolism
The symbols in “Marigolds” relate to the story’s central themes of poverty, hope, and the American Dream.
Poverty
The dollar bill and the fire symbolize the economic struggles faced by the narrator and her family. The narrator’s desire for the marigolds represents her hope for a better life despite the poverty she experiences.
Hope
The marigolds represent the narrator’s hope for a better future. Despite the challenges she faces, she continues to believe in the possibility of achieving her dreams.
The American Dream
The dollar bill represents the promise of the American Dream. However, the narrator’s inability to find the dollar bill suggests that the American Dream is not always attainable for everyone.
Cultural and Historical Context
“Marigolds” reflects the social and cultural norms of the 1960s in the United States.
Poverty
The story’s depiction of poverty reflects the economic struggles faced by many African Americans during this time period. The narrator’s family’s inability to afford basic necessities highlights the systemic inequalities that existed in society.
The American Dream
The story’s exploration of the American Dream reflects the hopes and aspirations of many Americans during the 1960s. However, the narrator’s inability to achieve her dreams suggests that the American Dream was not always attainable for everyone.
Comparative Analysis
“Marigolds” can be compared to other literary works that feature prominent symbolism, such as William Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily.”
Symbolism
Both “Marigolds” and “A Rose for Emily” use symbolism to enhance their stories’ depth and meaning. In “Marigolds,” the marigolds symbolize the narrator’s dreams and aspirations, while in “A Rose for Emily,” the rose symbolizes Emily’s isolation and loneliness.
Character Development
Symbolism also plays a role in character development in both stories. In “Marigolds,” the marigolds reveal the narrator’s motivations and emotions, while in “A Rose for Emily,” the rose reveals Emily’s hidden desires and conflicts.
FAQ Overview
What is the significance of the marigolds in the story?
The marigolds symbolize hope, resilience, and the transformative power of beauty in the face of adversity.
How does symbolism contribute to the character development in “Marigolds”?
Symbols reveal the characters’ inner struggles, motivations, and emotional growth throughout the story.
What are some examples of symbols used in “Marigolds”?
The marigolds, the garden, the fence, and the yellow dress all carry symbolic meanings that contribute to the story’s depth.
