The Chrysanthemums
The role of most women in cultures has always been submissive and secondary when compared to men. In John Steinbeck’s short story, The Chrysanthemums, Elisa Allen is a strong woman trapped in a dull marriage. She leads a boring, terrible life that is repetitive and stifling. Elisa is a character of circumstance because of her gender. It is her place in society as a married woman that keeps her from pursuing the other avenues and opportunities a man is entitled. On every side it (the valley) sat like a lid on the mountain and made of the great valley a closed pot.(?) This reference parallels Elisa’s life. She is also trapped in a closed pot by two things: her gender and her marriage. Her only escape from the doldrums of her life is the care and raising of her chrysanthemums. They are an extension of both her capabilities and femininity. Elisa is a strong character and is repeatedly told so by her husband, Henry. It’s this strength that motivates her almost male-like behavior to situations as an almost therapeutic form of bucking mores of female roles; especially when it comes to her blundering husband, who does not truly appreciate her. Henry has dominated Elisa and treats her like any othe
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Some common words found in the essay are:
Elisa Henry, Elisa Allen, , John Steinbecks, bulb sand, strong woman, closed pot, masculine image, flowers symbolic,
Approximate Word count = 1139
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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