Final answer:
The ending of 'MARIGOLDS' is a tragic resolution, with Lizabeth reflecting on the loss of innocence and the transition to adulthood after destroying the marigolds.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ending of 'MARIGOLDS' by Eugenia Collier can be characterized as a tragic resolution. It's a poignant moment of maturity and self-awareness. The protagonist, Lizabeth, destroys the marigolds, symbols of hope and beauty in her dreary environment, as an act of emotional release. This destructive act is not a joyful reunion nor an unexpected twist, and while it resolves the internal conflict of Lizabeth, it leaves the reader with a clear, though somber, closing to the narrative. The conclusion serves as a resolution because, in this act of destruction, Lizabeth recognizes the loss of her innocence and the complexities of adulthood.
The resolution of a story like 'MARIGOLDS' includes reflection on the themes and the lessons learned. Lizabeth reflects on her actions and the impact of her loss of innocence. While conflicts in real-life may not always resolve neatly, in this narrative, Lizabeth's internal conflict and understanding of the world come full circle, signaling that the central conflict has indeed been settled.