The Chrysanthemums
In literature we often encounter the need for acknowledgement. The act of recognition is the process of the memory that identifies an object or person. Also appreciation and attention or caring towards other people is an act of cognizance. We see this idea of acceptance in Ernest Hemmingway's "A Clean Well-Lighted Place", as an old man drinks in a cafe to be credited by society as important. This is also seen in John Updike's "A & P", as Sammy tries to find recognition for his maturing age. This powerful need for appreciation from other human beings is strongly illustrated in John Steinbeck's "The Chrysanthemums", as Elisa searches and explores for commendation in a stranger. In this work John Steinbeck develops the idea that recognition is vital to a prosperous, flourishing life. It is the fuel that we all strive for and if not found we will become diminished and powerless.Being appreciated by those we love is an element of human existence. In being acknowledged by her husband, Elisa's "eyes sharpened" and she continued to say; "[m]aybe I could do it, too. I've a gift with things, all right. My mother had it. She could stick anything in the ground and make it grow" (Pg. 1261). In this Elisa feels appreciated by her husband for
commenting on her wonderful flowers. Henry does not often fulfill this need Elisa possess as he is seeking credit of his own from society. Why, sure, that's what I came to tell you. They were from the Western Meat Company. I sold those thirty head of three-year-old steers. Got nearly my own price, too. (Pg. 1261) To bring this business of Elisa and the chrysanthemums to some telling close, the author implies that life is all about acknowledgement. This need for recognition is vital to our lives. It shapes us and moulds us to either prosperous or diminished lives. This is seen as Elisa receives complements for her flowers from her husband and the stranger. This is also seen in Henry as he receives credit for his amazing steers. Both of these characters seek out recognition from society to further in their life ambition of gaining prosperity and possible transcendence. In this we see Henry Allen receiving credit from society as the men from the Western Meat Company purchase Henry's steers at his "price." This is an enormous commendation for his work and his being. Both of these instances show us the need for acknowledgement. Elisa full fills this need through her flowers, because commenting her flowers is like complementing Elisa. This vital need of Elisa's makes her life prosperous when achieved. In relating this need to Elisa's mother, the author shows us that the want of appreciation is timeless and is applicable to every human. In Henry also being valued by society the author is showing that all people seek this emotional recognition from others in society. This idea of recognition is shown by John Steinbeck to demonstrate the need for a felling of acceptance. Acceptance is the drive of all humans. Even as children, human
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Approximate Word count = 1174
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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