Jordy Levy

Ms. Fields

Block 7 Language Arts

1/12/18

The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds ​Paper

Life’s toxicity is often the catalyst for an individual’s thwarted dreams and interminable

bitterness. Unfortunately, such a deleterious effect is often passed on to one’s family and friends,

at least in some degree. However, since literature is a reflection of life, overcoming the toxicity

in one’s family or other relationships often serves as a writer’s theme. Blessed with abundant

qualities that give one resilience in the face of adversity, Tillie, the protagonist in Paul Zindel’s

poignant play ​The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man in-the-Moon Marigolds​, is a child whose help

from a mentor and whose aptitude in/love for science allow Tillie to deflect her mother’s

numerous distractions and continually cruel assaults in order to embrace success, gentleness and

hope.

Mr. Goodman is Tillie’s mentor. It is fit that his name means that he is a good man. First,

he has called Tillie’s home when Tillie was absent. He compliments Tillie to Beatrice. He told

her about Tillie’s great IQ scores. He compares Tillie to the woman who discovered pasteurized

milk, Madame Pasteur. He does experiments after school for Tillie. Mr. Goodman also, gave

Tillie a pet Rabbit, Peter. She cares about Peter. “Why don’t you feed Peter?” (Zindel 65). Mr.

Goodman’s interest in Tillie has a positive effect on her. He has given her a reason to get out of

her house. “I could do it after Mr. Goodman’s class” (Zindel 13). She is full of science

information. “I’ll go to the library next week and pick me out some little book on science and
then I’ll know all about mutations” (Zindel 39). She even knows the characteristics of

radioactive elements by heart. She knows the half-life of radioactive elements. “The half-life of

Radium-226 is one thousand five hundred and ninety years” (Zindel 28). Mr. Goodman has

positively impacted Tillie’s life.

Tillie has a special passion and talent for learning. First, she finds joy while learning

outside of her house. Second, by working hard on her science fair project, she showed that she

cares about her science fair project and her work. “Just let me keep them here for a week or so

until they get started and then I’ll transplant them to the backyard” (Zindel 25). Also, she used

her love for science to overcome her shyness. Tillie’s talent is shown best when she wins first

place in the science fair. “Tillie won the whole thing!” (Zindel 91). Also, she believes that

science can fix the world. She sees that people do not have to be normal to survive. Also she

believes that the atom, like her, is beautiful. She said, “THE DAY WILL COME WHEN

MANKIND WILL THANK GOD FOR THE STRANGE AND BEAUTIFUL ENERGY FROM

THE ATOM” (Zindel 89). She is always open to learning new things, especially about science.

“The effect of gamma rays on man-in-the-moon marigolds has made me curious about the sun

and the stars” (Zindel 97).

The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds

I. Tille’s important mentor is Mr. Goodman

A. The name’s implied meaning - “good man”

1. Frequent calls home to check on Tillie’s absence and insecurity

2. Compliments Tillie’s brilliance to Beatrice

a) Informs Beatrice of high IQ score on recent standardized test

b) Compares Tillie to Madame Pasteur, a great female scientist

responsible for discovering how to pasteurize milk

3. Performs interesting science experiments solely for Tillie after school

4. Gives Peter, a pet rabbit, to Tillie as a needed outlet for her affection

B. Positive effect of Mr. Goodman’s interest on Tillie

1. Loves school/begs to go although often made stay home

2. Immerses herself in scientific information

a) Knows by memory characteristics of radioactive elements

b) Understands half-life of radioactive elements/how half-life relates

to her home setting

II. Tillie’s interest/talent in special area

A. Finds joy and stimulation outside depressing home environment through

knowledge

B. Works hard on her plants/plans meticulously for science fair

C. Overcomes innate shyness because of her love for science/make public speech

D. Places first place in the science fair

E. Considers science as on key to a better future/world

1. Understands/embraces mutations (organisms/people that are different but

they have managed to survive)

2. Finds hope in the atom/the atoms that compose her are from different

sources than Beatrice’s