Essay on Symbolism in The Chrysanthemums by John Steinbeck

Symbolism in The Chrysanthemums by John Steinbeck A symbol is an act, person, thing, or spectacle that stands for something else, by association a usually broader idea in addition to its own literal meaning (Cassill Bausch, 1728). John Steinbecks The Chrysanthemums may seem as a story describing a simple day with the Allen couple. It begins with Elisa Allen working in her garden and her husband, Henry Allen, negotiating with two suited business men that want to purchase steers. They seem to engage in conversations and go about their day as they normally would do. By the time the story ends, they are on their way to dinner and a movie. At first glance, this story may seem as nothing special, just a day in the life of fairly†¦show more content†¦This description of the Salina Valley is closely related to her character. Elisas isolation and constraint is represented by the description of the valley. Elisa feels cut off from the rest of the world; she has no independence, and lives in a male dominated society. The vall ey being described as a, closed pot can also be considered a metaphor for Elisas existence, she knows how the rest of her life is going to be, and she is not happy knowing that she is so limited in choices. Elisa lives in a masculine world with countless qualities hidden under her mans hat, clodhopper shoes, and a big corduroy apron she wears to garden. One of the reasons that Elisa may feel more restricted is because of the fact that she does not have any children to distract her, therefore spends the majority of the time contemplating about her life. This gives a slight indication that they might not be able to have children. During the period of time that this story was written, it was very unlikely for a married woman, especially at the age of thirty-five, not to have children. The fact that Elisa is childless makes it even more evident that she seems to need more fulfillments in her life. The importance of Elisas gardening abilities is that she wishes to take care of someone, and since she has no one other that Henry, which does not seem much of help for her, she transfers these maternal instincts onto her flowers. As one can see already, the Chrysanthemums that ElisaShow Mor eRelatedSymbolism in the Chrysanthemums by John Steinbeck1758 Words   |  8 PagesJohn Steinbecks The Chrysanthemums is a story that is full of symbolism. After the first read, it might seem like an innocent tale about a woman and her garden. However, upon further examination, the reader learns it is actually a story about a womans desires and frustrations in her life. Steinbeck uses many examples, such as the flowers to symbolize the thoughts and ideas of the main character, Elisa, in this story. Elisa Allen is a lonesome woman who gets pleasure from growingRead MoreSymbolism in The Chrysanthemums by John Steinbeck Essay1547 Words   |  7 PagesSymbolism in The Chrysanthemums by John Steinbeck The Chrysanthemums, one of John Steinbecks masterpieces, describes a lonely farmers wife, Elisa Allen. Elisa Allens physical appearance is very mannish yet still allows a hint of a feminine side to peek through. John Steinbeck brings symbolism into play to represent Elisa Allens frustrations and hidden passions. Isolation is another representation through symbolism found in The Chrysanthemums. Elisas failing detached marriage is representedRead MoreEssay about Symbolism in The Chrysanthemums by John Steinbeck700 Words   |  3 PagesSymbolism in The Chrysanthemums by John Steinbeck At first glance John Steinbecks The Chrysanthemums seems to be a story of a woman whose niche is in the garden. 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It tells the story of a woman who feels she is capable of completing any task a man can, but is set back byRead More The Chrysanthemums Essay1649 Words   |  7 PagesJohn Steinbeck’s, The Chrysanthemums, was published in 1938 in a book of short stories, entitled The Long Valley. The Chrysanthemums has been a rather powerful draw for scholars because of its wide gap for interpretations and analysis of its main protagonist character, Elisa Allen and also the unique descriptions used to portray the deeper meaning behind the setting of the story. Themes of sexuality, oppression of women, as well as other numerous typ es of conflict portrayed in this rather somberRead MoreThe Chrysanthemums By John Steinbeck982 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"The Chrysanthemums† is a short story written by John Steinbeck. The story was originally published in 1937 before later being released as a part of his The Long Valley collection. 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BothRead MoreAlice Munros Boys and Girls and John Steinbecks The Chrysanthemums1455 Words   |  6 Pagesand taking care of the children. While this stereotype does not exist as much in the 21st century, it was very prevalent in the 1900s. By using many different literary tools such as character development, symbolism, and setting, Alice Munro’s Boys and Girls and John Steinbeck’s The Chrysanthemums challenge this controversial topic of the treatment of women versus men in the 1900s. Munro uses a fox farm for the setting of Boys and Girls to bring out many of the social issues between genders. WhileRead MoreThe Chrysanthemums Symbolism Analysis1040 Words   |  5 PagesMale Dominance Revealed Through Symbolism in The Chrysanthemums In Steinbeck’s â€Å"The Chrysanthemum† a story is told of a woman who loves to garden and tend to her beautiful chrysanthemums, a husband who tends to the matters of business on the ranch, and the strange encounter with a tinkerer. Each of these aspects create the story, but there is more depth than what meets the eye. Through Steinbeck’s short story one can recognize many symbols that represent the different gender roles of men andRead MoreLiterary Analysis the Chrysanthemums1128 Words   |  5 PagesProfessor Course Date: Chrysanthemums: Literary Criticism At the turn of the 20th century, women were considered inferior to men: they were only required to stay at home, take care of households and children. â€Å"The Chrysanthemums†, as told by John Steinbeck, is a story of a woman during that period who tries to change the course of her destiny. In this story, the two-fold issues of femininity and symbolism play a critical part in explaining this helplessness. Steinbeck uses the narrative to signify