The chrysanthemums are a large part of Elisa’s life and symbolize how she views herself in many situations, further characterizing herself as a character. Elisa relates to the flowers and sympathizes with them almost as one would with another person. An example from Chrysanthemums supporting this claim is as follows “‘ They smell kind of nasty till you get used to them,’ he said. ‘It’s a good bitter smell,’ she retorted, ‘not nasty at all’” (Steinbeck 245) This quote leads the reader to believe that she may be so invested in gardening and taking care of the flowers that she has started to relate with them and even view them as a friend, the chrysanthemums therefore symbolizing a friend or constant figure. The previously stated quote is
