Who/what is the biggest antagonist for Zinnia in "Zinnia and the Bees?" Explain your answer.
In the novel "Zinnia and the Bees" by Danielle Davis, the main character Zinnia faces various obstacles and conflicts throughout the story. One of the biggest antagonists for Zinnia is her own internal struggle.
Zinnia is a young girl who is extremely talented at playing the violin. However, she is constantly haunted by self-doubt and anxiety, which acts as a barrier to her true potential. Zinnia's inner voice constantly belittles her and tells her she isn't good enough. This self-imposed negativity affects her ability to embrace her talent and achieve her goals.
Additionally, Zinnia's relationship with her younger brother, Adam, also serves as a significant antagonist in her journey. Adam has a condition that causes him to go into spontaneous, uncontrollable fits. These fits create chaos and emotional stress for their family. Zinnia sees herself as responsible for keeping Adam under control and protecting him, even though it's beyond her control. This added pressure to constantly be the caretaker takes a toll on Zinnia both mentally and emotionally.
Furthermore, Zinnia faces external antagonists in the form of social dynamics. She is often bullied and alienated by her classmates at school. These experiences reinforce her feelings of inadequacy and make it harder for her to break out of her comfort zone.
Overall, while there are external conflicts and characters that create obstacles for Zinnia, her biggest antagonist remains her internal struggles, self-doubt, and the pressures she places on herself. Overcoming these inner battles and learning to embrace her talents and individuality becomes the central focus of the story.