The Chrysanthemums

A detailed Summary of The Chrysanthemums


Feminism in John Steinbeck's "The Chrysanthemums" at first glance seems to be a story about a woman whose hobby is working in the garden. Upon deeper inspection the story has strong notes of feminism in the main character Elisa Allen. Elisa's actions and feelings reflect her struggle as a woman trying and failing to castrate herself in a male dominated society. Steinbeck smartly narrates this woman's frequent shifts between femininity and masculinity over a short period of time.

In the opening of the story Elisa is unnerved by the description of her clothing. She wears "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..." (295). When Elisa's husband, Henry, comes over and compliments her garden and ability to grow things Elisa is complacent with him and very proud of her skill


When Elisa goes inside to get ready to go out with her husband she boasts that she is stronger than she ever knew she was. As Elisa and Henry drive down the road her strength is quickly abolished. "Far ahead on the road Elisa saw a dark speck. She knew" (301). Seeing the chrysanthemums lying on the side of the road is a hard slap in the face for Elisa. She feels weak, betrayed and feminine. She has no desire to try and be strong. Elisa's desperation to be a person that she can not be is touching. Steinbeck makes it very easy to relate to this woman's struggle for strength and contentment in a life that does not meet her expectations. Elisa wants to be not only an equal to her male peers but to be dominant. She sadly realizes that she can never live up to the expectations she places on herself.

When the drifter leaves Elisa seems like a transformed woman. She is

Some common words found in the essay are:
Allen Elisa's, Elisa Henry, Steinbeck's Chrysanthemums, 297 drifter, elisa's husband, elisa's chrysanthemums,

Approximate Word count = 589
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

join now Save Paper

Related Essays

  • Chrysanthemums Feminism in John Steinbeckamp39s ampquotThe Chrysanthemums.ampquot At first glance John Steinbeckamp39s ampquotThe Chrysanthemumsampquot seems to be a story about a woman whose niche is in ... 797 words
  • The Chrysanthemums The Chrysanthemums The role of most women in cultures has always been submissive and secondary when compared to men. In John Steinbeckamp39s ... 1139 words
  • the chrysanthemums ampquotThe Chrysanthemumsampquot John Steinbeckamp39s ampquotThe Chrysanthemumsampquot shows the true feelings of the main character, Elisa ... She is eager to talk about her chrysanthemums. ... 1072 words
  • The Chrysanthemums Symbolism is John Steinbeckamp39s ampquotThe Chrysanthemumsampquot ampquotThe Chrysanthemumsampquot, one of John Steinbeckamp39s masterpieces, describes a lonely farmeramp39s wife, Elisa Allen. ... 1865 words
  • The Chrysanthemums The Chrysanthemums John Steinbeck As you know, women have often been portrayed as the weaker sex when compared to men but do not ask me why. ... 901 words
  • The Chrysanthemums Analysis of ampquotThe Chrysanthemumsampquot by John Steinbeck The main character of John Steinbeckamp39s ampquotThe Chrysanthemumsampquot is a young woman Elisa Allen. ... 1181 words

Professional Essays

  • The Chrysanthemums In his short story ampquotThe Chrysanthemums,ampquot John Steinbeck presents a narrative rich in symbolism, focusing on the yearnings of a frustrated farm wife. ... 1395 words
  • ampquotThe Odour of Chrysanthemumsampquot ampquotThe Odour of Chrysanthemumsampquot by DH Lawrence demonstrates how certain symbols and events hold different meanings for different people. ... 2909 words
  • The Odour of Chrysanthemums In the story ampquotThe Odour of Chrysanthemums,ampquot Lawrence shows his empathic side. ... ampquotOdour of Chrysanthemums.ampquot 797812. . RockingHorse Winner.ampquot ... 849 words
  • Araby ampamp The Chrysanthemums ... In John Steinbeckamp39s short story ampquotThe Chrysanthemumsampquot the woman appears to be ampquotfinely awareampquot James 572 of her situation, but in fact, until she sees the ... 1145 words
  • Images in Steinbeckamp39s The Chrysanthemums In his short story ampquotThe Chrysanthemums,ampquot John Steinbeck uses images of strength and capability to evoke the inner feelings of his main character and to ... 1342 words
  • John Steinbeckamp39s ampquotChrysanthemumsampquot Most critics who analyze John Steinbeckamp39s short story, Chrysanthemums, from The Long Valley 1938 collection, feel Elisaamp39s flowers represent her repressed ... 1672 words


Saved Paper

Save your papers so you can locate them quickly!

Newest Essays

Testimonials

  • "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.
Home Join Now Support
Acceptable Use Policy About us FAQ
All papers are for research and reference purposes only!
© 2002-2009 DirectEssays.com. All Rights Reserved. DMCA