“The Chrysanthemums”

In “The Chrysanthemums” I found several different symbols to represent specific items or feelings. The most obvious one was the title. Chrysanthemum is a symbol of Elisa’s love and inspiration to be a gardener. “The Chrysanthemum stems seemed to small and eager for her energy” ( Steinbeck 632). Elisa is a determined woman who seems to be ready for bigger and better things in her life. It is time that she expands her gardening skills.
Elisa is bored with her life on the farm. When a handyman drops by looking for work she expresses this by hinting around to leaving with him. “It must be nice, she said. It must be very nice. I wish women could do such things” (Steinbeck 637). She seems disappointed when the man can’t wait to reject her and be on his way.
When she got ready for dinner with her husband that night, she tries really hard to look her best. “She put on her newest underclothing and her nicest stockings and the dress which was a symbol of her prettiness” (Steinbeck 638). Elisa was trying to earn back some of her dignity, perhaps by impressing her husband.
When they were on their way to dinner, Elisa shows a guilty conscience of her behavior towards the stranger. “Henry, she asked, could we have wine at dinner tonite” (Steinbeck 639). A glass of wine could make her feel better and maybe she will stop acting so guilty.