Refer to explorations in literature for a complete version of this story. how does the resolution of lizabeth’s conflict in “marigolds” develop the theme? by defying her parents, lizabeth takes the first steps toward adulthood. by looking at what was beneath the surface of miss lottie, lizabeth recognizes why the old woman tended the marigolds. by recognizing the truth about herself, lizabeth is able to make the decision to leave an impoverished life. by destroying the beauty of the marigolds, lizabeth is able to bring miss lottie to a better understanding of reality.