Overview

This lesson focuses on interpretation of symbols, coming of age, and argument writing using a short story. Students practice close reading skills, paying attention to multiple aspects of the text (e.g., plot and setting, characterization, symbols, coming of age criteria), and constructing arguments about literature.

Guiding Questions

  • What are the multiple things that we as readers need to pay attention to in a text?
  • How is “Marigolds” a coming of age story?

Texts/Materials

Activities

1. Present background information about the situation of African Americans during the Great Depression.TC_Bubble

2.  Give students Marigolds with section questions along with the Character Map and Plot and Setting. TC_Bubble Instruct students to read the first section and annotate for the narrator’s emotions and feelings. Once studetns have finished, ask them to share with a partner and focus on the overall mood of the story. Then they can work with the same partner to answer the sections questions and fill in the worksheets. Finally, let students share out in a whole class discussion.

3. Instruct students to read the next two sections and answer the questions at the end of each section. With a partner students should discuss the following two questions:

  • In this section there is a contrast between the description of the marigolds and Ms. Lottie and her house. Why do you think the author makes such contrasts?
  • What does the following quote from this section mean? “For some perverse reason, we children hated those marigolds. They interfered with the perfect ugliness of the place; they were too beautiful; they said too much that we could not understand; they did not make sense.”TC_Bubble

4. Have students read the last two sections, filling in the graphic organizers and answering the questions at the end of the sections. In addition give student the Symbolism Chart and tell them to fill it out for the symbol of the marigolds. Have students share out during a whole class discussion. Give students How do experts talk about theme and let students practice writing thematic statements.TC_Bubble

5. Instruct students to write a rough draft answering one of the following questions:

  • What does the marigolds symbolize in the story?  What evidence from the story and what you know about the Depression era and racial tensions of the time support your claims? TC_Bubble
  • Coming of age is a theme in which “the protagonist is initiated into adulthood through knowledge, experience, or both, often by a process of disillusionment. Understanding comes after the dropping of preconceptions, a destruction of a false sense of security, or in some way the loss of innocence.”  How is “Marigolds” a coming of age story?  TC_Bubble

Once students have produced a rough draft, have them engage in some form of peer review. Based on their feedback, have them revise their essays. TC_Bubble

Assessment

The following are means of assessing students during activities so instruction can be adjusted and differentiated according to students’ needs.

  • Section questions
  • Partner and Whole Group Discussions
  • Graphic Organizers
  • Argument Writing