Marigold

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

76409

Title

Marigold

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In the fantastical realm of Lucifram, where reality is inverted, Princess Marigold disguises herself as a beggar to experience life among the poor. Her journey exposes the stark contrasts between societal classes, the hypocrisy of the wealthy elite, and the resilience of the human spirit against adversity and moral corruption.

Summary up to 500 words

Set in the surreal, inverted world of Lucifram, where social norms and physical realities are the opposite of Earth, Edith Allonby's *Marigold* presents a biting satire on wealth, power, and morality. The narrative follows Marigold, a princess who disguises herself in poverty to truly understand the plight of the lower classes. Her journey begins at a charity dinner hosted by the High Priest's Palace, where she is humiliated by Pierman, a wealthy guest who mocks her situation. Despite the degradation, Marigold maintains her dignity while observing the grim realities of hunger and disease that plague the poor. As Marigold navigates this inverted society, she interacts with a cast of characters that reveal the complexities of human nature. She encounters the High Priest, who attempts to maintain a facade of respectability despite the suffering surrounding him, and St Armand, a cynical figure who challenges conventional norms. Through her experiences, Marigold confronts the harsh truths of a world where the rich exploit the poor and where even acts of charity are tainted by ulterior motives. The novel highlights the moral decay and hypocrisy of the elite, contrasting it with the universal struggles of humanity faced by the poor. The story tests Marigold's disguise through the brutal challenges of poverty, including illness and the tragic loss of those she cares for, such as the death of the boy Timothy. Her interactions with the wealthy elite underscore the stark divide between their insulated lives and the desperate conditions of the working class. The narrative blends elements of fantasy and satire to critique social inequalities, exploring profound themes of identity, compassion, and the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Ultimately, *Marigold* serves as a powerful allegory, using a fantastical setting to reflect the very real and familiar evils of selfishness and the blessings found in selfless action.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Fiction
• Fantasy