Even a short story taking place during the Great Depression and a novel about a young man's journey across a vast desert can have similarities. In the short story, “Marigolds”, by Eugenia Collier, the marigolds represent hope and all positive aspects. In the novel, The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho, there are profuse amounts of symbolism, yet the most noteworthy being that of alchemy which represents Santiago's, or the protagonists, need to rid himself of impurities. These symbols are similar seeing as the marigolds are too perfect amongst the destruction surrounding them, making them an impurity which Lizabeth, the primary character in “Marigolds,” destroys as her right of passage; equivalent to Santiago having to rid himself of impurities to