Chrysanthimums

A detailed Summary of Chrysanthimums

Analysis of Character : "The Chrysanthemums"

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

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

Category: English

join now Save Paper

Saved Paper

Save your papers so you can locate them quickly!

"Thank You So Much!!! You have saved me once again!!!"
Jack M.
"With so many papers to chose from, I was able to get ideas to help me with all of my classes. Thank You!"
Brian P.
"I've used this site for the last 3 years to help me come up with ideas for my papers."
Sara J.
"I use this site every week to help me write my own papers!"
Rachel W.
"I love this site!!!"
Marie N.