Chrysanthemum

Carlee Schaffer FWA: The Chrysanthemum and the Sword Many people throughout their lives, whether they are aware of it or not, have on a pair of rose colored classes. Things perceived by them are seen though their perspective and opinions, based on their own society and knowledge. Throughout the human race’s history though, there have been a few people who acknowledge these rose colored glasses and take them off. They see the world for how it actually is, through other cultures’ traditions and…

after beginning in 1929, and women becoming more active in advocating and fighting for their rights after winning the right to vote. John Steinbeck’s The Chrysanthemums was written in this time, dealing with then-current societal issues. The story focuses on Elisa, a woman who uses her “green thumb” to grow tall, strong, and beautiful chrysanthemum flowers. Steinbeck focuses on her bleak existence in an oppressive male environment, exemplified through her husband and a traveling tinker. It is…

In his short story “The Chrysanthemums” John Steinbeck presents a middle-aged woman who uses her passion for gardening as an outlet or a way to deal with an unhappy marriage. The story’s dominant tone is melancholy and towards the end switches to envy. These tones are created by a combination of language elements including imagery, symbolism, and dialogue. Both tones are further supported by the fiction elements character versus conflict. Elisa Allen is married to Mr. Henry Allen, a successful…

endure and no two of them are alike. The short story that spoke the most to me that I have read would have to be “The Chrysanthemums” along with the novel “Of Mice and Men.” Each of these stories have their own unique use of literary devices; as well each and all of the little details that Steinbeck uses to make these stories what they are. In Steinbeck’s story “The Chrysanthemums” he uses the literary devices; symbolism, metaphor, and theme to make his stories stand out and be the best that…

In “The Chrysanthemums”, John Steinbeck illustrates how women where frustrated with their lives back in the 19th century. How they were fighting to gain equality from a world dominated by men. The author stated once that women were strong and that they may be stronger than men; that is why we can see in the story how Elisa Allen, the protagonist, is described with many “strong” characteristics. Throughout the story, Elisa is taking care of her flowers in her garden, while she has conversations…

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…

John Steinbeck 's recognized story "The Chrysanthemums" is about a full of pride, strong woman named Elisa Allen who feels unfulfilled with her actual life. Her frustration derives from not having children and from her husband not being able to make her feel like a real woman romantically. The only way out of her frustration is her beloved garden where she plants and takes care of beautiful chrysanthemums. The author uses chrysanthemums as symbols of Elisa inner-self and of every woman who could…

John Steinbeck’s ‘’The Chrysanthemums’ is about a proud and resilient woman, Elisa Allen, who is frustrated with her life. Her inability to conceive a child and her husband’s failure to love her are major issues in her family. The flower garden is her only distraction from all her marriage issues. In the garden, she tends lovely chrysanthemums. “Chrysanthemums’ symbolizes Elisa’s and every other woman’s inner-self. Chrysanthemums symbolize Elisa 's children. She cultivates her garden and takes…

What inspires a person to write the way he or she does? Is there a relationship between a story’s text and the author? In John Steinbeck’s “The Chrysanthemums,” the main character, Elisa Allen, cherishes her chrysanthemums, yet her femininity is unnoticed. The flattery she receives from the tinker gives her hope; however, it is, specifically, false hope, in that the attention that she gains causes more frustration over how she, like other women of her time, is treated by men, including Henry,…

In the story “Chrysanthemums” Elisa seems to be a lonely woman who longs to be useful to her husband and the family orchard. She throws herself into gardening and grows beautiful, strong chrysanthemums. When the tinker stops by to sell his serves, Elisa seems flattered when he shows interest in her chrysanthemums. Elisa comes to life; taking off her gloves and her hat, I feel this is showing her confidence as a strong woman. When she is getting ready for her night out with her husband, she…