Gamma Rays response #2 - Marigolds again? Why?
This is the second homework blog posting... Did you already complete the post on Gamma Rays and Dysfunctional Families?It is due before class starts on Monday, Dec. 15
In The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds, Tillie conducts an unusual science project. She subjects three different batches of marigolds to the potentially damaging effects of gamma rays - a topic we addressed in a previous blog post. But why did the play's author, Paul Zindel, choose marigolds as the flower to use in the science experiment? Click on the following links and please read the information on marigolds at wikipedia and this information on growing marigolds.
Do not concern yourself with the all the Latin terms or varieties, but focus on the specific characteristics of the flower... Then post your ideas about the use of marigolds as a symbol in the story. What makes marigolds unique? What do they need to survive? When do marigolds bloom? How might the characteristics or qualities of this particular flower be a symbol that connects to important ideas in the play? Why might have Zindel used marigolds as the flower?
37 comments:
I think for technecal reasons she experimented on marigolds because marigolds are an easy flower to grow, have simple environment needs, grow quickly and grow all year round. These flowers are also very accessable and have ease when grown in pots. Marigolds in the short story we read earlier in the year represented hope, I feel that Marigolds also represent hope in this story too. These beautiful, yet simplistic plants can also be like describing Tille. Tille may be simplistic in needs and wants, but her mind is beautiful. These flowers could lead her to a better future for herself, and to help her get out of her current situation.
Margaret P.5
This flower is also very nice looking. The main reason that the author choose this flower is because it grows everywhere. These flowers are also very durable. These flowers would be very good in an expirement because of these things. In an expirement you can test gamma rays on these flowers and you will know if something is wrong if they look unhealthy. These flowers are very easy to grow and they grow very fast. With them being able to grow faster than other plants, it will be very healpful in getting more trials in.
Randy p2
I think the author chose marigolds because they are hardy or tough and are easy to grow. Marigolds are considered by many gardening experts as one of the most versatile flowers to grow in a garden. I think that the author chose marigolds because they symbolize kids who grow up in dysfunctional families who survive. I wonder if the marigolds will survive but be damaged.
ian p5
I think the author choose marigolds because, they are a basic flower that is easy to grow any where. So if you were to do tests on a flower they would choose this one. They also survive through about everything. I feel the author choose dysfunctional families because even though they may hate each other at times they still survive and get through life.
Ian p-2
Marigolds go perfect with the story because they are a strong flower just like tillie's family they dont look like they are but when the conditions get rough they find a way to get through it even if they are a dysfubctional family or a liltle flower
Dallas P6
i think that the author used marigolds in the experiment becasue the grow all year round. Also because the only things they really require are sun and water. they can grow just about everywhere even if its not a good environment. They symbolize people who grow up in dysfuntional families because they can grow even when they arent given special treatment and arent always filled with their needs.
Leanne!!!!!!! period 5
The author chose marigolds as part of the science experiment because they are flowers that grow no matter what. They dont really need alot of attention and help to grow like most other complicated flowers do. They basically just need sunlight and water. Maybe the science teacher is trying to teach the class that people can relate to this type of flower. These flowers are independent and can make it on their own. Even if families are dysfuctional, you can still grow into a successful person and not let your family affect your life.
kristy period 6
Marigolds are unic because they are easy to grow and grow all year around, and all they need is water and sun to grow. I think that the auther chose to put marigolds inthe story because as they grow they bring hppyness. But before they get to this beauty that they have they have to go trough a process of growing and survaivens. And also becuase in one of the previews storys we read o one in which the mirsgolds signified a sign of hope and mybe that is what the flowers are int his story. They might be a sign of hope for Tillie who lives in this horible life but as life goes on she will have to learn to survive all of the abstacles in her life, and at last she will see the reall beauty within herself.
Carla p6
The play's author, Paul Zindel, chose marigolds as the flower because they are bright and cheerful they even have different names that they're sometimes called by such as happy days, honey bee, or lemon drop. They're also easy to grow in poor soil and in areas of drought they can still survive. Tillie is sort of in a dull area of her life. Her mom is a jerk and doesn't help or support her. This is relate to the flower because even though her environment stinks and isn't really healthy she'll still be able to get somewhere and be someone because of how smart she is.
katrina
period 2
Marigolds don't have a good smell. They grouw best in good soil. There colors are yellow and oreng. The flower symbloizes how the family will grow but not fully if it is not in a good environment.
Michele C. P.5 ^^^^^^^
I think the author chose marigolds for this story because they are a very easy and basic plant to grow. But they aren't the best flower kind of like Tillie's family. Marigolds can grow in droughted areas which symbolizes Tillie growing up in a dysfunctional family.
Joe per.2
He choose this type of plant because they are easy to grow. Also they are very common in places and easy to obtain. These plant is not a most cooperative plant just like tillie's family. Their family is very messed up and so are the plants if they dpn't cooperatate. So thats why i think he use this plant insteasd of others. They need sunlight to grow in any well-drained garden soil. They will start to grow in the sunlight. So in the summer. So their family is like marigolds, they need sunlight light. So their family is not in the sunn they can;t do the right thing. They need to get out of the dark and start to live in the sun, so they can work together.
jovanny p.5
Paul Zindel chose this type of plant because it is easy to get and grow. It is a common flower. He also chose this flower because it is a happy and cheerful flower that thrives in the sunlight. i think that mabe there is a connection between tillie and the marrigold like she is sheltered and dim, but when out it the open (sun) she thrives to be a good person and help to sociaty unlike her mother and sister. the only way for the plant to grow is if it is out of the shade and in the light much like tillie in order for her to grow up to be great she needs to get away from the negativity in her family (dark) and get out into the world with school and science (sun).
Josh per.5
Marigolds are strong easy growing flowers. The follow relates to the Story because Tillie is stong and alive out side of her out, but once she steps back in, her mother and sister ruin all that and a darkness arrives and she is no longer how she was when away from it all.
Chris
p-6
The author, paul zindel, chose marigolds because of their ease. Marigolds can thrive even under rather poor conditions. This is symbolibic for children being able to grow up under awful circumstances to become great and noble people.
Jake.C Period 6
I think the author chose Marigolds because they're a sign for hope. And they probably represent something that we'll figure out later in the story just like we did in the other short story we read earlier in the year.
michaelaaaaaaaaaaaaaa :]
p. 6
This is a reminder from the posting on the back of the calendar distributed in class:
"To earn full credit, each post must be between 150-200 words, written in standard conventional English, and satisfy the requirements of each prompt" (Miller, December 2008 calendar).
Mrs. Doonan
I think the marigolds are in the story because marigolds can grow anywhere and they are a simple flower that not alot of people pay attemtion to them, so in a way it is sort of like Tillie. I think they are unique because they can grow under interesting circumstances. I think that the marigolds are important because they are like Tillie, plain & ordinary but at the same time they have there corks that alot of people don't know about.
Jess B.
period 5
I would guess that the author chose this flower, first of all because it is a very common flower in alot of places so many people would be familiar with it. Another reason would be that they are very easy and fast to grow, so the experiment wouldnt take to long and would still have a good amount of results. one other reason that i would think the author chose the these flowers is that not only due they bloom in a long time period all srping fall and some of summer but they also bloom in a varity of yellows oranges and reds to make them bright and standout where ever they are.
Michelle Elizabeth
Period 6
:)
I think the author used marigolds as the flower for the experiment because it an easy flower to grow its not picky. Since its easy to grow there isn't many things you need to keep an eye so you can really focus on the effects that the radiation has on its growth. The author may have also chosen this flower as a symbol for a family. Like the flower a family is easy to grow for the most part and needs a little caring for you kind of have to let it take its course like a flower. I think the radiation on the marigolds is the like the environment around Tillie the radiation can be seen as her mother and her sister. maybe shes trying this experiment because she wants a better understanding on her own life why is it so easy to grow and then mess it up?
Bryan
Per 6
I think they are something bright, in a dull situation, they are almost like Tillie. She is a smart nice girl constantly being verbally abused by her mother; the marigold i a bright happy flower being exposed to radiation.
Kevin Per. 6
I think the author chose marigolds because they are independent. They dont need anything but water and sun. They are unique because they can grow anywhere. To surevive all they need is water and sunlight. Characteristic and qualities of marigolds are a symbol of being alone. They may be alot of them but they don't get much attention. Marigolds are like Tillie and it seems that she doesnt get alot of attention and nobody knows how she feels.
jill per 6
I think the Author chose Marigolds for the story for many reasons. One reason is that they are very fast growing flowers, so for the short time in the book they would beable to bloom and grow. Also they are common, this helps the readers not spend too much time focusing on just the flower. Another reason is that they arent hard to grow, they dont need much, just the necessities, light and water. I think the flowers represent Tillie and her family. Tillie if she lived in a good healthy eviroment would grow up to be a strong, beautiful hardworking person that could be both emotional and physically stable. But like the Marigolds if you add a little unstabality and disfunction (radiation for the marigolds) they die and cant function. I think this is happening with Tillie's family the mother is almost poisoning Tillie to not be all that she can strive for.The marigolds can with stand some poison but after a while it wares it down and cant handle it anymore.
roryyyyyyy
i think the author choose marigolds because they grow fast and can be grown in any enviorment with sun light and good soil. they need sun , good soil and water during times when there is not a lot of rain. you plant them in the spring but they can bloom any time and take two months to bloom. onece they start to dying they are gone that is like the characters in marigolds.
Andrew per 5
Zindel may have chosen marigolds for a number of reasons. They are an easy flower to grow. They grow quickly and in any environment. Marigolds need sunlight and well drained soil to survive. Marigolds generally bloom from spring to fall. They are very accessible and easy to plant in pots. Zindel may have used the marigold to symbolize two different things. Just as in “Marigolds”, the marigolds could symbolize Tillie’s hope and happiness. These marigolds are not ordinary marigolds and involve science, which is the subject which Tillie thrives. The marigolds may be used to symbolize Tillie’s happiness. The marigolds could also symbolize Tillie herself. The marigolds are low maintenance and simple flowers. The y do not need a lot of attention to thrive much like Tillie. Tillie thrives in the classroom with no encouragement from her mother. She doesn’t look to her mother or sister for anything. In the story we see her as quiet and to herself; she doesn’t require much of anything until Ruth. Ruth always needs cigarettes or lipstick. She had many needs, including attention, unlike Tillie. Tillie’s low maintenance resembles the marigolds also. In addition, marigolds bloom during the school year like Tillie. Tillie enjoys the time she is in school which is about the same time as the marigolds. She is able to learn and grow during school which overlaps with the blooming times of the marigolds. Marigolds were a perfect choice for the flower in this story because they easily represent a main character, Tillie.
Zindel may have chosen marigolds for a number of reasons. They are an easy flower to grow. They grow quickly and in any environment. Marigolds need sunlight and well drained soil to survive. Marigolds generally bloom from spring to fall. They are very accessible and easy to plant in pots. Zindel may have used the marigold to symbolize two different things. Just as in “Marigolds”, the marigolds could symbolize Tillie’s hope and happiness. These marigolds are not ordinary marigolds and involve science, which is the subject which Tillie thrives. The marigolds may be used to symbolize Tillie’s happiness. The marigolds could also symbolize Tillie herself. The marigolds are low maintenance and simple flowers. The y do not need a lot of attention to thrive much like Tillie. Tillie thrives in the classroom with no encouragement from her mother. She doesn’t look to her mother or sister for anything. In the story we see her as quiet and to herself; she doesn’t require much of anything until Ruth. Ruth always needs cigarettes or lipstick. She had many needs, including attention, unlike Tillie. Tillie’s low maintenance resembles the marigolds also. In addition, marigolds bloom during the school year like Tillie. Tillie enjoys the time she is in school which is about the same time as the marigolds. She is able to learn and grow during school which overlaps with the blooming times of the marigolds. Marigolds were a perfect choice for the flower in this story because they easily represent a main character, Tillie.
Ella Period 6
Marigolds are easy to grow under good soil and pretty much can live on their own. All they need is sunlight and water and can live in any environment. Marigolds are also beautiful when grown and spreads joy. It is a sign of happiness and can symbolize hope for Tillie because of the negativity she receives from her mom and Ruth. It could make Tillie happy when she is feeling down and make her succeed at what she is talented at, which is science.
Period 6
Fardin
Humans are marigolds.
Every human has potential to be whatever they what to be; as large or small as that aspiration may be. No matter what- every human will, indeed, grow.
Much like humans, marigolds will too grow under practically any circumstance.
However, marigolds and humans show a tight correspondence in that, yes, they WILL grow- but in better soil, marigolds grow to be stronger and better plants. I believe humans grow to be what they are from what they are brought up from. In The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds shows the main character Tillie trying to grow up to a functioning member of society while being raised in a dysfunctional home.
Gregg N
P 5
Marigolds can grow in just two months. They are the most versatile flower to grow in a garden. They need mostly sunlight in order to grow well. Marigolds bloom in the summer when the sun is hottest. This flower is very fit for this play. The sun for the marigolds is like the hope that the family needs to get passed their bad stage. The marigold is the family. If grown well then the flower blossoms and is beautiful. If there is not enough sun then the flower dies. Zindel used marigolds to show sybolism on the family.
-Dan P5
She used marigolds because there easy to grow, easy to find, easy to main tain, grow in just two months, and grow all year round. Maybe she grow them because it made her think of a childhood memerey that made her happy. Everytime she looks at it, it can bring her mind to a happy time and place.
I think she uses the marigolds as a sign for hope and they are very easy to grown and keep up with them. The look very bright and colorful so maybe Tillie looks at them and it just makes her happy or it is her favorite flower. Beatrice might look at it and think of a time when she was younger and it made her happy or it could make her mad becasue maybe it didnt turn out thath good. She probably cant handle them being there because it reminds her about something and she just wants them out of there as fast as she can.
- sorry this is late millerrr
brianaaa (:
period 2
I think the author Pual Zindel used the flower marigolds for Tillie's science project is because their are a lot of varieties of this species of plants such as orange and yellow and a few others. I bring this variety thing up because everyone is a little bit different kinda like people so their were a whole lot of variety of choices she could of picked wile still doing marigolds. Maybe she liked this because living with here mother and sister she probubly wasn't faced with a lot of options. Or it could just be because their so cheerful and make people happy and she was into all that nature stuff. Also she knows probubly a lot about plants since she lives in an old one or right next door to an old out of business one.
Per 6
Nick L
I think that the marigolds in this play represents Tillie. Marigolds are unique because they do not need much tending and they can basically life through anything. also, they bloom in the fall rather than spring like most other flowers. I believe that this flower was used to represent Tillie because she has been put through a lot. In the play, the marigolds were in contact with colbalt 60 and they still bloomed, and as for Tillie, her mother was the "cobalt 60" and Tillie survived through that. Zindel used this flower because it is one of the very few flowers that don't need to be taken care of much and are stonge when put through the worst of situations.
Jess
Period 6
I think that the author uses a the flower marigold because it is very beautiful and it symbolizes something special. They symbolize the sun which this means that it turns with the sun. The marigolds symbolize Tillie in the story because both of them need something function which is the sun. Because without the sun the marigolds won't grow, and without the marigolds Tillie wouldn't have won the science fair. Marigolds are unique because they grow in two months which is really cool because other plants take a longer time to grow. They ussauly bloom in the first days of the month. I think that the author chose marigolds because they mostly relate to Tillie.
Daisy P5
I think that Tillie used Marigolds in her exparement because, as read in the article, they are very simple and very easy to grow without any hassle. I think that Tillie can also relate in a way to these marigolds that she is exparementing on. They are very simple flowers, beautiful, but very simple and plain. They have an unspoken beauty to them. Tillie can relate to these flowers because she is a very simple girl, but is capable of great things as she grows in all of things she wants to persue.
Tom
Period 2
It is an interesting comment.
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juliana
Home Based Business
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