John Steinbeck's "The Chrysanthemums" shows the true feelings of the main character,

Elisa Allen, through the use of setting and her interactions with other characters in

the story. By way of vivid descriptions, Elisa's feelings of dissatisfaction over

the lack of excitement in her life are portrayed. Her role as a mere housewife and

then the subsequent change to feelings of a self-assured woman are clearly seen. These

inner feelings are most apparent with the portrayal of Elisa working in the garden with

the chrysanthemums, the conversation she has with the man passing through, and finally,

when she and her husband are going out to dinner.

Steinbeck's strong and somewhat manly description of Elisa while working in the garden,

gives the distinct impression that she is not as weak as a stereotypical housewife would

be. He writes that "Her face was lean and strong and her eyes were as clear as water.

Her figure looked blocked and heavy in her gardening costume, a man's black hat pulled

low down over her eyes, clodhopper shoes, a figured print dress almost completely covered

by a big corduroy apron with four big pockets to hold the snips, the trowel and

the roadside. This, along with her husband's hesitation to allow her curiosity, puts her back

She boasts, "I am strong. I never knew before how strong." Furthermore, she makes requests

you I have nothing like that for you to do." At first she resists conversation with him.

garden, the conversation she has with the "Fixer-Guy", and finally, when she and her husband

the above points. The author mentions that her face was "handsome," her work with the scissors was

is content with being a mere housewife.

"over-powerful," and her fingers "destroyed such pests." This description shows an inner strength

In the final segment of Steinbeck's "The Chrysanthemums," Elisa shows a new aura of confidence

In the portion of the story where Elisa is talking to the "Fixer-Guy" who happens to pull down

Some common words found in the essay are:
Elisa Allen, Fixer-Guy Elisa, Chrysanthemums Elisa, Indeed Elisa, Pot Fixer, Steinbeck Elisa's, Maybe I've, Why-why Elisa, Steinbeck's Chrysanthemums, elisa allen, feelings apparent portrayal, inner feelings apparent, strong woman, mere housewife, husband dinner, finally husband, break free, character elisa allen, short story, finally husband dinner, character elisa, story elisa, inner feelings,
Approximate Word count = 1367
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)