The children tormented Miss Lottie by throwing pebbles at her house and verbally abusing her.
Actions Taken Against Miss Lottie
During a period of play, the children collectively decided to target Miss Lottie, an old, poor woman who lived with her disabled son and cherished marigolds. Their actions escalated from initial mischief to direct harassment, causing her significant distress.
Specific Acts of Harassment
The various forms of torment inflicted upon Miss Lottie by the children included:
- Mockery and Intentional Provocation: The children initially decided to make fun of her, indicating a deliberate intent to ridicule and cause distress to the elderly woman.
- Vandalism and Physical Harassment: They proceeded to throw pebbles at her house. This was not merely a playful act but a direct assault on her property and peace, showing a disregard for her living space.
- Escalation by Lizabeth: After Miss Lottie reacted with anger to the initial assault, one of the children, Lizabeth, decided to throw more pebbles. This action intensified the harassment, demonstrating a continued intent to provoke and upset Miss Lottie despite her evident distress.
- Verbal Abuse: To further taunt and degrade her, the children called her an old witch. This verbal abuse added an element of personal attack to their physical actions, making their torment more comprehensive and hurtful.
This sequence of events highlights a progression from mischievous intent to overt acts of cruelty, showcasing the children's collective and individual participation in harassing Miss Lottie.
