Answer:
In the story “Marigolds” by Eugenia Collier, the marigolds symbolize different things to different characters. For Miss Lottie, the marigolds represent hope and beauty in an otherwise dreary and poverty-stricken world. She tends to them with care, despite the harsh conditions of their environment.
The line you’re referring to is spoken by the protagonist, Lizabeth. At this point in the story, Lizabeth and her friends are observing Miss Lottie from a distance. When Lizabeth says, “Look, there she is… she’s fooling with them crazy flowers,” she’s referring to Miss Lottie tending to her marigolds.
At this stage, Lizabeth views the marigolds (and Miss Lottie’s care for them) as something strange or “crazy” because they stand out in stark contrast to the dust and poverty that characterize their town. This perspective changes as Lizabeth matures and comes to understand what the marigolds symbolize.
Step-by-step explanation: