Use of Symbols and Symbolism in The Chrysanthemums by John Steinbeck John Steinbeck's short story "The Chrysanthemums" is about a proud and strong woman named Elisa Allen who feels frustrated with her present life. Her frustration stems from not having children and her husband's failure to admire her romantically as a woman. The only outlet for his frustration is his flower garden where he grows beautiful chrysanthemums. Steinbeck uses chrysanthemums as symbols of Elisa's and every woman's inner self. First, the chrysanthemums symbolize Elisa's children. She takes care of her garden and takes care of the chrysanthemums with love and care, just as she would her children. Elisa is very protective of her flowers and surrounds them with a wire fence; fa sur......middle of paper......age, but his realization that his life will not change crystallizes when he sees the flowers thrown onto the road. It completely devastates her to have to settle for such an unfulfilling life. Work cited Steinbeck, John. "The chrysanthemums." Literature: an introduction to fiction, poetry and drama. Ed. XJ Kennedy and Dana Gioia. 6th ed. New York: HarperCollins, 1995. 239-47.

Topic > Use of Symbols and Symbolism in The Chrysanthemums by John Steinbeck John Steinbeck's short story "The Chrysanthemums" is about a proud and strong woman named Elisa Allen who feels frustrated with her present life. Her frustration stems from not having children and her husband's failure to admire her romantically as a woman. The only outlet for his frustration is his flower garden where he grows beautiful chrysanthemums. Steinbeck uses chrysanthemums as symbols of Elisa's and every woman's inner self. First, the chrysanthemums symbolize Elisa's children. She takes care of her garden and takes care of the chrysanthemums with love and care, just as she would her children. Elisa is very protective of her flowers and surrounds them with a wire fence; fa sur......middle of paper......age, but his realization that his life will not change crystallizes when he sees the flowers thrown onto the road. It completely devastates her to have to settle for such an unfulfilling life. Work cited Steinbeck, John. "The chrysanthemums." Literature: an introduction to fiction, poetry and drama. Ed. XJ Kennedy and Dana Gioia. 6th ed. New York: HarperCollins, 1995. 239-47.