Chrysanthimums

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

. . .
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Approximate Word count = 1367
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)