How can I find the key passages in the short story Marigolds, to develop the theme of the story. I have to use quotes from the key passages I choose...not sure what to do here. What are key passages?

Thanks
-MC

What do you think is the theme of this story?

Which passages lead you to believe that?

MC.... the marigolds, to ME, represent joy, nature at its best, hope. They make me smile.

Those Lizabeth saw them as the anthesis of her dad's tears. How could there be joy in the world when her dad was crying.
Now look at the story from that point of view and see what you find.

OK, what if I say the theme is losing your childish innocence or something along those lines and I can support this by writing what Lizabeth says in the end of the story, when she sees Ms.Lottie's reaction..

Would that be alright?

Thanks
-MC

What do you think Lizabeth "felt" when she say Lottie's tears?

This story is about feeling not thinking.

well...

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To find the key passages in a short story like "Marigolds" to develop the theme, you can follow these steps:

1. Read the short story: Start by reading the entire short story from beginning to end. This will help you understand the overall plot, characters, and themes.

2. Identify the theme: Determine the main theme or central message of the story. In the case of "Marigolds," some possible themes could be the loss of innocence, the consequences of poverty, or the importance of empathy.

3. Look for significant moments: As you re-read the story, pay attention to moments where the theme is explicitly mentioned or when there is an important event or dialogue that relates to the theme. These significant moments are often the key passages that you're searching for.

4. Analyze the key passages: When you find these key passages, analyze them to understand how they contribute to the development of the theme. Consider the context, characters, and the author's use of language and literary devices. Think about why these passages stand out and how they support the theme you identified earlier.

5. Choose quotes for support: Once you've identified the key passages that are essential to developing the theme, select quotes from these passages that best capture the essence of the theme. Look for quotes that are meaningful, memorable, and encapsulate the ideas you want to convey.

Remember, key passages are significant sections of the story that illuminate or contribute to the understanding of the theme. By focusing on these important moments, you can effectively develop your analysis of the theme using specific quotes as evidence.