In the story “Marigolds,” Eugenia Collier develops the theme “One cannot have both compassion and innocence” through her use of several literary techniques. One technique she uses is external conflict. An example of this technique is found in the quote, “The children screamed with delight, while she (Miss Lottie) screamed curses at them” (87). This example shows that the children had their innocence while being out of control and had no compassion for Miss Lottie and her feelings. Another technique she employs is internal conflict. This technique is best illustrated when the narrator states, “I scrambled to my feet and just stood there and stared at her, and that was the moment when childhood faded and womanhood began” (83). This quote helps
