The statement which best explains that Lizabeth develops the theme in "Marigolds" that compassion comes from experiencing similar suffering is:
Lizabeth recognizes that she shares Miss Lottie’s longing for a better life when she realizes the marigolds brought beauty into Miss Lottie’s harsh existence.
Miss Lottie's marigolds are used as the symbol in the short story “Marigolds”. They symbolize things which people add in their lives in order to make it beautiful and bearable. Since Miss Lottie had been an outcast, therefore to be occupied with some work she had planted marigolds which helps her in being busy in her life.