Final answer:
The maintenance worker and the narrator destroy plants for different reasons: one for job-related maintenance and prevention of theft, and the other reflects a personal transformation or change in perspective towards nature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The maintenance worker and the narrator in My Mother's Garden by Kaitlyn Greenidge appear to destroy plants for different reasons. The maintenance worker does so as part of his job to maintain the garden and keep away trespassers, evidenced by Colonel Lloyd tarring his fence to prevent slaves from stealing fruit. On the other hand, the narrator reflects on a personal transformation or a shift in perspective towards nature, possibly showing a disconnect with the past and a move towards different values or priorities.
The story delves into the complexity of human-nature relationships, often highlighting how these relationships are influenced by cultural, social, or political contexts. In Colonel Lloyd's case, the plants are destroyed as a measure against theft, showcasing an adversarial approach to human-nature relations grounded in property and punishment. Meanwhile, the narrator's actions or thoughts may represent a cultural or personal shift in viewing nature, potentially aligning with themes of modern environmentalism or even a nostalgic connection to the past.
While both instances involve the destruction of plants, the underlying reasons reflect the unique circumstances and beliefs of the characters involved, suggesting a nuanced portrayal of humans' interaction with the natural environment.