Final answer:
The narrator’s maturity in “Marigolds” is shown through her realization that Miss Lottie’s actions were an attempt to bring beauty into a bleak world. The correct answer is C) She finally sees that Miss Lottie was only trying to make her dismal world beautiful.
Step-by-step explanation:
The narrator’s maturity in “Marigolds” reflects the theme of the story by demonstrating a shift from childish ignorance to a more profound understanding of the complexities of human emotion and the symbolism of actions. Throughout the narrative, various character developments reveal the characters' struggles, symbolize inner emotions, and depict gradual maturity. The narrator’s realizations about Miss Lottie’s intentions, and her own actions, serve to illustrate the theme of empathy and the loss of innocence.
When the narrator damages Miss Lottie’s marigolds, it symbolizes a loss of innocence and a cruel intrusion on beauty and hope. The maturity of the narrator is evident in her later reflection on this act and her understanding of its meaning.
It’s a critical moment of self-awareness and growth which signifies her transition from childhood to adulthood. She sees that Miss Lottie was trying to impart beauty into a dismal world, a subtlety she could not appreciate as a child.
Therefore, the answer to the question is C) She finally sees that Miss Lottie was only trying to make her dismal world beautiful. This acknowledgment marks a pivotal point in the narrator's development, showcasing how maturity often springs from a blend of regret, introspection, and understanding the nuances of human existence. Such a revelation ties back to themes frequently explored within literature of growth, empathy, and the loss of innocence.