Symbolism in “The Chrysanthemums”
At first glance John Steinback’s “The Chrysanthemums’ seems to be a story
of a woman whose niche is in the garden. Upon deeper inspection, the story
reveals strong symbolisms of children, vulnerability, and connection–being
the most important, of the main character. Elisa Allen is the main character who is
at her strongest and most proud in the garden and weakened when she becomes
vulnerable and loses her connection to the outer world. Elisa shows a new aura of
confidence when she makes this connection to a peddler, who also is the cause of
her realization of reality and her crying.
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. Elisa is protective of her flowers and places a fence around
them; she makes sure that “no aphids, no sowbugs or snails or cutworms” are t
here. “Her terrier fingers destroyed such pests before they could get started” (
221). These pests represent something that harms the flowers, and she
removes them before they can harm her “children.” The chrysanthemums are
symbolic of her children, and she is very proud of them. She is happy and
pleased by her ability to nurture the chrysanthemums as she would her children.
Elisa’s vulnerability is shown through her experience with the peddler
shows an interest in the chrysanthemums when he describes them as a
“quick puff of colored smoke” (223). By admiring the chrysanthemums, he
figuratively admires Elisa Allen. The peddler gives Elisa a connection that she
can’t do with anyone else. By giving him the pot to put the chrysanthemum seedlings
in, she gives him the symbol of her inner-self. She begins to feel hope as the
peddler leaves. She dresses up nice and prepares for her night out with her
husband. This preparation process symbolizes that she is preparing for a change in
her life.
Her washing and dressing is symbolic of her transition. Tearing off her ”
soiled clothes” and flinging them into the corner, “she scrubbed herself with a
little block of pumice, legs and thighs, loins and chest and arms, until her skin
was scratched and red.” This is symbolic of Elisa coming out of her old being,
releasing a newness she had become to know. She “tightened her stomach
and threw out her chest…She put on her newest under-clothing and her nicest
stocking and the dress which was the symbol of her prettiness. She worked
carefully on her hair, penciled her eyebrows and rouged her lips.” All of this is
brought about because one man took interest in her private pleasure-the
chrysanthemums. Her connection with the peddler has made her come out of
the fence that she is so used to being inside of. She is free and she likes it.
Elisa has seemed to undergo a complete metamorphosis from being an
unsocial housewife to a confident woman when she makes this connection. She
boasts, “I am strong. I never knew before how strong.” Unfortunately, at the
conclusion of Steinbeck’s short story, Steinbeck has her fall right back into the
rut she so despised. When she realized that the peddler had dumped out the
seeds and soil, and she comes back to reality and “turned up her coat collar so
her husband could not see that she was crying weakly-like an old woman.”
She is crushed and all that she had gained that day was taken away. This story
expresses how easy it is for someone’s hopes and confidence can be crushed
if it is given into the wrong person’s hands.
The title “The Chrysanthemums” is used to point out that Elisa’s
chrysanthemums are an image of her. The image reflects how she feels
towards children through her flowers, what her vulnerabilities are, and how she
uses them to make connections. Elisa accomplished what she always wanted,
but in the end a careless peddler took that away. She returned to being her old
self, the self that lived within her own garden and fence.
3f8
Steinback, John. “The Chrysanthemums.” Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. Eds. X. J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia. 8th ed. New York: Longman, 2002. 245-253.
Другие работы по теме:
Symbolism Of Clothing Essay Research Paper Symbolic
Symbolism Of Clothing Essay, Research Paper Symbolic Message through Clothing In Susanne K. Langer?s essay Language and Thought she expresses the meaning of signs and symbols. Langer explains that a symbol does not have a meaning it ?merely brings things to mind.? A symbol is a tool that is used to express power, wealth, or someone?s feelings.
How Does The Moon Control The Sea
Essay, Research Paper Symbolism is one of the most important techniques in literature; it helps the reader to understand and visualize what the author is trying to convey. In the novel Bless Me Ultima, by Rudolofo Anaya symbolism runs rampant, the sea and the moon represent the conflicting sources pulling apart a young boy approaching the reaching the age of reason.
Critical Lense Essay Research Paper Critical Lense
Critical Lense Essay, Research Paper Critical Lense American essayist Logan Paersall Smith once said, What I like in a good author is not what he says but what he whispers. I believe this means Logan thinks a good author doesn t always say things directly but uses literary elements like characterization and symbolism to get a message across to the reader.
The Yellow Wallpaper And The Chrysanthemums
– Symbols Of Entrapment Essay, Research Paper Talents and dreams, hopes and desires, shunned by the husbands and times of the women in ?The Crysanthemums? and ?The Yellow Wallpaper.? The wife, Elisa, in ?The Crysanthemums?, reflects an internal struggle with herself to find her place in a world of definite gender roles. ?The Yellow Wallpaper? traces the treatment of a woman who descends from depression to madness in the male-imposed psychiatric confinement of her room.
My Antonia Essay Research Paper 2
My Antonia Essay, Research Paper "My Antonia," by Willa Cather has many symbols through out the novel. Symbolism reflects her own views as a child through her life. Some of these
Fern Hill Essay Research Paper Fern HillEveryone
Fern Hill Essay, Research Paper Fern Hill Everyone wants to be a child forever. If that were possible, there would be no worry of growing old or dying. In his poem, Fern Hill , Dylan Thomas portrays the desire for infinite youth through the use of symbolism and imagery.
Wuthering HeightsBronte Essay Research Paper Critique Wuthering
Wuthering Heights-Bronte Essay, Research Paper Critique- Wuthering Hieghts Wuthering Hieghts is the prototype of all the gothic novels. It contains all the literary elements such as, symbolism, supernatural, and the dark solemn mood classic to all gothic novels. Although the book was well written and rich with literary devices, it did not retain my attention.
Chrysanthemums Essay Research Paper Over the past
Chrysanthemums Essay, Research Paper Over the past few months in class we have learned about many aspects of literature. Some examples of them are characterization, setting, style, tone, allegory, theme, and symbolism. I chose to write this essay about the symbolism aspect that is featured in so many great works of literature.
Symbolism The Chrysanthemums Essay Research Paper Symbolism
Symbolism- The Chrysanthemums Essay, Research Paper Symbolism- “The Chrysanthemums John Steinbecks’ “The Chrysanthemums” is a story that utilizes symbolism on many levels. Most of all, I believe in the character of Elisa Adams. Elisa and her garden seem to be considered one. Because of all of her hard labor and love the Chrysanthemums flourish.
English 101 Essay Research Paper In comparing
English 101 Essay, Research Paper In comparing and contrasting the stories ?Worn Path? and ?Young GoodMann Brown?. Several things come to mind . We see that both authors use a lot of symbolism
Glass Menagerie 2
Glass Menagerie – Symbolism Of The Unicorn Essay, Research Paper The symbolism of the unicorn has two very different meanings. One of the symbols is happiness and love. The other one symbols sadness and hatred. You first come into contact with the unicorn when Jim sees it. This is where the first symbolism comes into place.
Symbolism In Camus
’ The Plague Essay, Research Paper For the first essay for Integrative Studies 300 I would like to write on the Camus work, The Plague. Since Albert Camus has a philosophical view unlike that of many
Emily Dickenson Essay Research Paper In a
Emily Dickenson Essay, Research Paper In a poem by Emily Dickenson she implies that there is nothing like reading a book to take your imagination to great places. She states, “There is no frigate like a book to take us lands away.” Such an idea that excites the imagination to take us places is expressed in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird.
Symbolism In Trifles Essay Research Paper Susan
Symbolism In Trifles Essay, Research Paper Susan Glaspell wrote Trifles in the early 1900 s long before the modern women s movement began. Symbolism is used in the play so that the audience is able to see through the eyes of Minnie Wright, and determine why she killed her husband. Character s names, the bird, and a quilt are three key symbols Glaspell uses in the play to provide the audience with the insight on the never heard, or seen characters, Minnie and John Wright.
Au Revior Les Enfants Essay Research Paper
592099243 Au Revior Les Enfants The movie Au Revior Les Enfants ,or Goodbye Children translated, has a lot of symbolism that applies to the film?s theme and subject in its title alone. The theme of childhood, innocence, and adulthood-growing up and the subject of the movie is seen in the title and throughout the entire film.
The Chrysanthemums Essay Research Paper Symbolism in
The Chrysanthemums Essay, Research Paper Symbolism in The Chrysanthemums (The Chrysanthemums By John Steinbeck) John Steinbeck gives a different type of symbolism in The Chrysanthemums. Many symbols appear, giving simple meanings and even foreshadowing the story to limited degree. Elisa seems to be content with her garden caring only for the welfare of her plants, with a special regard for the chrysanthemums.
All About Style Essay Research Paper Regina
All About Style Essay, Research Paper Regina Kerbs October 20, 1999 M/W 8:30 – 9:50 All About Style Every writer illustrates a certain style in his/her work. Kate Chopin uses the same style in her short stories “The Story of an Hour” and “Ripe Figs.” This style includes her use of diction, imagery, and symbolism.
Symbolism In Hamlet Essay Research Paper Symbolism
Symbolism In Hamlet Essay, Research Paper Symbolism in Hamlet Though not much has been written on symbolism in Shakespeare?s Hamlet, there is some there. The first symbol is found in the very first scene of the play. The changing of the guards can be a symbol of the new King in Denmark. Just as the guards are changing, so is the royal throne.
Symbolism Joy Luck Essay Research Paper Symbolism
Symbolism Joy Luck Essay, Research Paper Symbolism of The Joy Luck Club and The Zoo Story There are numerous conditions in human life that mold people into who they presently are. A person’s identity and way of thinking are influenced greatly due to their surroundings, and relationships they are involved in.
The Great Gatsby Light Symbolism Essay Research
Paper The Great Gatsby Symbolism Essay The Hidden Story in Green and White Color symbolism is really popular in novels written during the 1920’s. One such example is Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby. There is much color symbolism in this novel, but there are two main colors that stand out more than the others.
Dickens Biography Essay Research Paper In the
Dickens Biography Essay, Research Paper In the Charles Dickens novel, A Tale of Two Cities, symbolism in used to portray the themes though out the book. Through his characters and their actions as well as their
The Use Of Symbolism In Their Eyes
Were Watching God Essay, Research Paper How symbolism is used in Their Eyes Were Watching God Zora Neale Hurston uses symbolism to enhance characterization in her novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, and symbolism is portrayed through the heroine of the novel, Janie Crawford. Three uses of symbolism are through Janie s hair, the store porch, and the pear tree.
Hawthorne And Symbolism Essay Research Paper Hawthorne
Hawthorne And Symbolism Essay, Research Paper Hawthorne and Symbolism Symbolism is a key in all or most writings. Symbolism is what the reader needs in order to use his imagination. In “Young Goodman Brown” by Nathaniel Hawthorne, through different symbolism, Hawthorne writes about a man who in his coming of age.
Symbolism Essay Research Paper I have
Symbolism Essay, Research Paper : I have never understood the purpose of digging about for symbolism in and author’s work, and comparing the symbolism in 2
Much Symbolism Essay Research Paper Nature
Much Symbolism Essay, Research Paper Nature’s Symbolism Much symbolism is used in William Golding’s Lord of the Flies. The nature on the island is used as the primary source of symbolism. There are three main uses of nature’s symbolism: a pink conch shell, a pig’s head, and fire. Nature is a symbol that parallels to the real world.
Symbolism In Macbeth Essay Research Paper In
Symbolism In Macbeth Essay, Research Paper In William Shakespear’s Macbeth, symbolism is abundantly used in exemplifying the overall theme of murder. There are several prominent forms of this throughout the play. The contrast of light and dark representing good and evil plays a major role in the advancement of events in the play.
Symbollism In The Scarlett Letter Essay Research
Paper British Literature Matt Gordon 9-22-96 Symbolism In The Scarlet Letter Symbolism in literature is the deepness and hidden meaning in a piece of work. It is often used to represent a moral or religious belief or value. Without symbolism literature is just a bunch of meaningless words on paper. The most symbolic piece of work in American Literature is Nathaniel Hawthorne?s The Scarlet Letter.
Symbolism Essay Research Paper In the novel
Symbolism Essay, Research Paper In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, symbolism is the key literary device. Symbolism is when one thing stands for another. It is a sin to kill a mockingbird. This is because mockingbirds do not harm anything, they just sing to you. The mockingbird symbolized both Tom Robinson and Boo Radley.
Scarletletter Symbolism Essay Research Paper The Scarlet
Scarletletter Symbolism Essay, Research Paper The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne uses many things for symbolism and in my opinion the most symbolic were the scaffold scenes. There are a total of three scaffold scenes and each has its own purpose and meaning. Without the scaffold scenes this book would basically leave you clueless to what was really going on because the scaffold scenes really tell you what is going on and why.
A Farewell To Arms Essay Research Paper 2
A Farewell To Arms- Essay, Research Paper A Farewell to Arms- The book A Farewell to Arms, written by Ernest Hemingway, is a classic about the love story of a nurse and a war ridden soldier. The story
The Symbolism Of The Scarlet Letter
’s Pearl Essay, Research Paper The Scarlet Letter is a book of much symbolism. One of the most complex and misunderstood symbols in the book is Pearl, the daughter of Hester Prynne. Pearl, throughout the story, develops into a dynamic symbol – one that is always changing. In the following essay, I will explore some of the symbolism which Pearl came to represent throughout the novel.
Dream Deferred Essay Research Paper The poem
Dream Deferred Essay, Research Paper The poem, “Dream Deferred”, which was written by Langston Hughes in 1951 , described the trials that minorities in that time period underwent. Hughes uses heavy symbolism and imagery in this poem. The dream he discussed in the poem was futile at the time of his writing of the poem.
The Faith Of Young Goodman Brown Essay
, Research Paper Timothy Wenk Bailey Engl. 1302 16 Feb. 2000 The Faith of Young Goodman Brown Faith, and the struggle to keep it, is the theme of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “Young Goodman Brown.” In this story, Hawthorne gives Goodman Brown’s wife the name of Faith for the obvious symbolism and irony it creates.