Compare the setting of “marigolds” to a painting or photograph taken during the great depression.

Right before the Great Depression, people were living this life of luxury in the Roaring 20s. Consider the look in the woman's face. How does the nostalgia read in her eyes, her body language, and so on. You can connect this feeling of nostalgia with the quote about the marigolds reflecting "the strangest times." Consider how the speaker portrays this feeling of nostalgia or the memory of what once had been.

The simple subject will be in bold.

there are too many people on this elevator. 

hope this helps!!