What is the setting in the chrysanthemums?
The story takes place in the Salinas Valley in December at Henry Allen’s ranch in the foothills. Immediately, we’re placed in a rural setting, where women are isolated and men are manly. One thing we might note here is the contrast between Elisa’s closed-off Salinas Valley and the world of the tinker.
What is the conflict in the chrysanthemums?
“The Chrysanthemums” is a very subtle story; the conflict is not apparent as in some other stories. The most major conflict is between the tinker and Elisa: he wants her business, she wants to connect with him on an emotional and physical level.
What is the climax of the chrysanthemums?
The climax begins when Elisa feels a connection with the stranger. There is a tension between them because of the passion she feels for him. She reaches out to touch his pant leg, but withdraws her hand before she touches him. The falling action happens when Elisa sees the chrysanthemums dumped in the road.
Who is the antagonist in the chrysanthemums?
Henry Allen Henry is a less obvious choice for the role of antagonist, but the shoe fits nonetheless. Henry, though hapless, bumbling, and well-intentioned, represents the social strictures that keep Elisa contained.
What are the symbols in the chrysanthemums?
The chrysanthemums symbolize both Elisa and the limited scope of her life. Like Elisa, the chrysanthemums are lovely, strong, and thriving. Their flowerbed, like Elisa’s house, is tidy and scrupulously ordered.
Why are Elisa Allen’s chrysanthemums so important to the story?
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. In the second part of the story, the chrysanthemums come to symbolize Elisa’s femininity and sexuality.
What do the dogs symbolize in the chrysanthemums?
The interaction between Elisa’s dogs and the tinker’s dog is symbolic of the interaction between Elisa and the tinker themselves. Just as her dogs are stronger than the tinker’s mongrel, so is Elisa wittier, smarter, and more of a robust person than the tinker.
What happens to Elisa and Henry on their ride into town?
He arrives home and gets ready, too. As they head for town, she sees the chrysanthemum sprouts she had given the man lying by the side of the road. Soon after, Elisa and Henry’s car passes the wagon and the man. After discussing their evening out a bit more, Elisa turns away from Henry and cries.
What point of view is used in the story the chrysanthemums?
Steinbeck displays an extraordinary ability to delve into the complexities of a woman’s consciousness. “The Chrysanthemums” is told in the third person, but the narration is presented almost entirely from Elisa’s point of view.
How does the strangers interaction with Elisa at her garden?
How does the stranger’s interaction with Elisa at her garden differ from Henry’s interaction with her at her garden? A. Henry yells at Elisa to give up her flowers, while the stranger seems more interested in her hobby and encourages her.
What are Elisa’s dominant qualities?
What are Elisa’s dominant qualities?Elisa’s dominant qualities are gardening and doing house work.Do you think Elisa is happy in her marriage and her life in general? I think Elisa is happy in her marriage and is happy with her husband but is not happy with her life and what she does for a living in general.
What time period is the chrysanthemums set in?
Steinbeck’s short story “The Chrysanthemums” does not contain any specific reference to the year in which the events of the story take place, but the story’s publication took place in 1937, two years before the end of the Great Depression.
What are planting hands in the chrysanthemums?
Elisa has “planting hands”, which means that she has a natural gift for gardening. Not only is she knowledgeable about gardening, but she is able to connect with nature. For others, gardening might be difficult, but for her it flows naturally. I believe that the tinker understands her explanation, but does not care.
Why does Elisa want to see a fight at the end of the story?
Elisa wants to see a fight at the end of the story, because the fight symbolizes Elisa’s desire to win over the authority of the male figure and become free. This desire is strengthened after her meeting with the tinker. She imagines “the fighting gloves get heavy and soggy with blood” (“The Last Crysanthemums”).
What is the significance of chrysanthemums in Odour of chrysanthemums?
Chrysanthemums Symbol Analysis. Chrysanthemums remind Elizabeth of her relationship with Walter, appearing at several crossroads of their shared lives: during their marriage, the birth of their first child, the first time Walter was brought home drunk, and finally, at Walter’s death.