Authors use symbolism in order to expand their themes and characters. In the best works of fiction, themes reveal the basic ideas of a period of time. Symbols acknowledge this information beneath the surface of a work of literature. This causes the reader to be compelled to read further into a story. John Steinbeck’s “The Chrysanthemums” contains many aspects of symbolism that develop the themes of gender inequality, transformation of character and dissatisfaction with one's life. The protagonist yearns for a different, better life in order to truly be herself. John Steinbeck uses the Salinas Valley as a symbol to extend the theme of dissatisfaction of the protagonist’s life in “The Chrysanthemums.” The Salinas Valley is described as being
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The chrysanthemums mirrors Elisa and her limited life. For example, Elisa is described as “lean and strong” just like the flowers in addition to “eager and mature and handsome” in her masculine gardening apparel. Elisa has variations with her confidence and strength throughout the story. For instance, Elisa feels strong and in control working in her flower garden but around Henry she cowers and stiffens. Also, the Tinker’s arrival and persistence for work irritates Elisa when she declares “I tell you I have nothing like that for you to do” (4). However, the Tinker showing interest in the chrysanthemums brought out a different, happier side of Elisa: “The irritation and resistance melted from Elisa’s face” (5). Elisa believes she is one of the flowers, when the Tinker notices them she senses acknowledgement herself. She is ecstatic to share her chrysanthemums because though she cannot venture the world herself at least a part of her can. Elisa’s self-confidence is at a peak when “Her hesitant fingers almost touched the cloth” (6). She feels ashamed in front of Henry while preparing for dinner because of her desire to be with the Tinker. Elisa’s appearance is feminine and beautiful for dinner but appears stiff while questioning Henry’s compliments. The power in their relationship shifts to Elisa when she states “I’m strong, I never knew before how strong” (8). Her chrysanthemums
The chrysanthemums mirrors Elisa and her limited life. For example, Elisa is described as “lean and strong” just like the flowers in addition to “eager and mature and handsome” in her masculine gardening apparel. Elisa has variations with her confidence and strength throughout the story. For instance, Elisa feels strong and in control working in her flower garden but around Henry she cowers and stiffens. Also, the Tinker’s arrival and persistence for work irritates Elisa when she declares “I tell you I have nothing like that for you to do” (4). However, the Tinker showing interest in the chrysanthemums brought out a different, happier side of Elisa: “The irritation and resistance melted from Elisa’s face” (5). Elisa believes she is one of the flowers, when the Tinker notices them she senses acknowledgement herself. She is ecstatic to share her chrysanthemums because though she cannot venture the world herself at least a part of her can. Elisa’s self-confidence is at a peak when “Her hesitant fingers almost touched the cloth” (6). She feels ashamed in front of Henry while preparing for dinner because of her desire to be with the Tinker. Elisa’s appearance is feminine and beautiful for dinner but appears stiff while questioning Henry’s compliments. The power in their relationship shifts to Elisa when she states “I’m strong, I never knew before how strong” (8). Her chrysanthemums