blog
media download page
Essay / Use of Symbols and Symbolism in The Chrysanthemums by John Steinbeck John Steinbeck's short story "The Chrysanthemums" is about a proud and strong woman named Elisa Allen who feels frustrated with her present. life. Her frustration comes from not having children and her husband's inability to admire her romantically as a woman. The only outlet for her frustration is her flower garden where she grows magnificent chrysanthemums. Steinbeck uses chrysanthemums as symbols of Elisa's and every woman's inner self. First, the chrysanthemums symbolize Elisa's children. She tends her garden and handles the chrysanthemums with love and care, just as she would her own children. Elisa is very protective of her flowers and places a fence around them; she is about ...... middle of paper ...... age, but her realization that her life is not going to change crystallizes when she sees the flowers thrown on the road. It completely devastates her to have to settle for such an unsatisfying life. Work cited Steinbeck, John. “Chrysanthemums”. Literature: an introduction to fiction, poetry and drama. Ed. XJ Kennedy and Dana Gioia. 6th ed. New York: Harper Collins, 1995. 239-47.
Navigation
« Prev
1
2
3
4
5
Next »
Get In Touch