In “The Chrysanthemums,” the wire fence symbolizes
Elisa’s separation from the world
.
What do The Chrysanthemums symbolize in Steinbeck’s story?
John Steinbeck’s short story “The Chrysanthemums” is about a proud, strong woman named Elisa Allen who feels frustrated with her present life. … Steinbeck uses chrysanthemums as symbols of
the inner-self of Elisa and of every woman
. First, the chrysanthemums symbolize Elisa’s children.
What does the description of the wire fence in which Elisa works suggest about Elisa?
The flowers are enclosed in a wire fence to protect them from the larger, stronger animals. Just as the wire fence limits the flowers, implying they are too delicate to survive in the open, Elisa is likewise kept
(by her husband and social notions of femininity) confined to specific roles of woman and wife
.
What is the spiritual meaning of chrysanthemum?
Chrysanthemums are loved around the globe. Generally speaking the chrysanthemum
symbolises happiness, fidelity, honesty and friendship
. Yet the symbolic meaning varies around the world.
What is the purpose of including the dogs in chrysanthemums?
What is the purpose of including the dogs in chrysanthemums? By including the dogs in the story, Steinbeck wants to convey Elisa’s feeling of guilt or desire to escape from her role as a housewife and experience adventure. Therefore, the dogs act as
“quiet” reminders of Elisa’s deep-seated desire
.
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).
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 moral 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.
What is the main conflict in The Chrysanthemums?
The most important conflict in the story is
the limitation of Elisa’s life as a woman isolated on a small farm in the Salinas Valley in the years after the Depression
.
What is the point of view of The Chrysanthemums?
“The Chrysanthemums” is told in
the third person
, but the narration is presented almost entirely from Elisa’s point of view. … After the first few paragraphs that set the scene, Steinbeck shrugs off omniscience and refuses to stray from Elisa’s head.
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 represents 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 kind of person is Elisa in the chrysanthemums?
Elisa Allen
A robust thirty-five-year-old woman, Elisa lives with her husband, Henry, on a ranch in the Salinas Valley. Even though Elisa is associated with fertility and sexuality, the couple has no children. She is a
hard worker
, her house sparkles, and her flowers grow tremendous blooms.
What are planting hands does the Tinker understand?
What are “planting hands”? Does the tinker understand her explanation of them? It
means you’re able to put your hands in the ground & create. He doesn’t understand exactly how important they are to her
.
How does Elisa feel at the end of the chrysanthemums?
Thus, the chrysanthemums symbolize Elisa’s role as a woman. First they symbolize her children; later they represent her femininity and sexuality. Elisa
feels frustrated with her life because children and romance are missing in her marriage with Henry
.
