Steinbeck uses chrysanthemums as symbols of
the inner-self of Elisa and of every woman
. First, the chrysanthemums symbolize Elisa’s children. She tends her garden and handles the chrysanthemums with love and care, just as she would handle her own children.
What is the symbolic meaning of chrysanthemums?
In Asia the chrysanthemum signifies
life and rebirth
, making them great gifts for birthdays and baby showers. … A white chrysanthemum is a symbol of loyalty and devoted love. In general, chrysanthemums are believed to represent happiness, love, longevity and joy.
What does the Salinas Valley symbolize in the chrysanthemums?
The Salinas Valley symbolizes
Elisa’s emotional life
. The story opens with a lengthy description of the valley, which Steinbeck likens to a pot topped with a lid made of fog.
What do the fights represent in the chrysanthemums?
The fights represent
another attempt to recall the feeling of connection and entry into the world of free men
, but they also represent a barrier to that world, one Elisa isn’t willing to traverse just for the sake of spreading her wings.
What does the fence symbolize in the chrysanthemums?
In “The Chrysanthemums,” the wire fence symbolizes
Elisa’s separation from the world
. The fence serves both to protect and imprison her….
Why is Elisa crying at the end of The Chrysanthemums?
Elisa “cries like an old woman”
because she is absolutely crushed because she realizes that she has been duped by the tinker and that he was not interested in her chrysanthemums
at all. He had only pretended to be interested in Elisa talking about them in order to get some business from her (some pots to mend).
How does The Chrysanthemums begin?
As the story begins,
she is cutting down the previous year’s chrysanthemum stalks
. Steinbeck portrays Elisa as an accomplished gardener. As Elisa works, she watches Henry interact with two men in business suits. … The story begins in the Salinas Valley, which is pretty common in several of Steinbeck’s stories.
Why are chrysanthemums associated with death?
In several European nations, including Belgium, Italy, France and Austria, chrysanthemum symbolism has to do with death. The only time chrysanthemum flowers are given in these nations is as
a token of comfort, grief or bereavement
.
Are chrysanthemums bad luck?
In Asia, the chrysanthemum is the symbol of a long and happy life. … Tradition dictates that
graveside chrysanthemums give bring bad luck, headaches and even nightmares
.
Which flower symbolizes death?
Chrysanthemum
: In America, this gorgeous flower has many meanings, but it is often used as an expression of support or an encouragement to “get well soon.” In many countries in Europe, the chrysanthemum is placed on graves and viewed as a symbol of death.
What is the theme of the chrysanthemums?
Perhaps the most prevalent theme in ‘The Chrysanthemums’ is
one of feminine sexual repression
. When the tinker takes interest in the mum starters and tells Elisa that he has another customer who’s been looking for some for her own garden, she can’t help but get a little carried away.
Why is Elisa attracted to the Tinker?
She is attracted to the tinker because,
as Stanley Renner points out, he represents a world of adventure and freedom that only men enjoy
(306). … Elisa realizes her hopes for equality are nothing but a dream because she has been betrayed by her basic nature and by men.
What is the conflict in the chrysanthemums?
The prominent conflict in this story is
man vs self
. Elisa deals with an internal conflict where she is not entirely satisfied with her life. She is not thoroughly happy with the way she feels or is being treated in her marriage.
Why does Elisa weep at the end of the story?
Elisa “cries like an old woman” because
she is absolutely crushed
because she realizes that she has been duped by the tinker and that he was not interested in her chrysanthemums at all. He had only pretended to be interested in Elisa talking about them in order to get some business from her (some pots to mend).
What time period is The Chrysanthemums set in?
The short story “The Chrysanthemums,” was set in the era of
1920s-1930s
. This can be seen when the author says ” The strangers were getting into their Ford Coupe.” (“The Chrysanthemums,” Steinbeck, page 106, paragraph 8, line 1-2.)
What happens at the end of The Chrysanthemums What does the stranger do that?
At the end of “The Chrysanthemums,” what does the stranger do that makes Elisa sad? A.
He tells her that he is in love with someone else.
