“The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck: Analysis

Introduction: “The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck

“The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck, published in 1937 in a collection titled The Long Valley was initially well-received by critics and readers alike, and has since become one of Steinbeck’s most popular works. It has also won places in literature textbooks and taught in high school and college classrooms. In fact, Steinbeck’s masterful use of descriptive language and his ability to capture the inner thoughts and emotions of his characters have made “The Chrysanthemums” a classic example of American literary realism. The story explores themes of gender roles, societal expectations, and the human need for connection and fulfillment, and continues to resonate with readers today for its universal and timeless insights into the human experience.

Main Events in “The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck

• Elisa Allen tends to her chrysanthemums on her isolated ranch in the Salinas Valley.
• A tinker visits the ranch, seeking work and repair jobs.
• Elisa is initially hesitant to engage with the tinker, but eventually becomes intrigued by his lifestyle and stories of travel.
• The tinker offers to take some of Elisa’s chrysanthemums to a woman he met on his travels who is looking for cuttings to plant.
• Elisa becomes excited at the prospect of her flowers being appreciated and gives the tinker some pots of chrysanthemum shoots.
• Later, while Elisa is getting ready for a night out with her husband, she sees the tinker throwing the chrysanthemum shoots on the road, realizing that he had no intention of giving them to the woman he mentioned earlier.
• Elisa becomes disillusioned and saddened by the tinker’s deception, feeling a sense of emptiness and unfulfillment in her life.
• On the drive to town, Elisa sees a team of men working in a field and becomes fascinated by their physical strength and camaraderie.
• Elisa realizes that she yearns for a life beyond her isolated ranch and her domestic duties, but feels trapped by societal expectations and gender roles.
• The story ends with Elisa crying silently in the car, feeling a sense of defeat and hopelessness about her future.

Literary Devices in “The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck

1. Allusion: A reference to a well-known person, event, or literary work. Example: If the story includes a “Henry” ranch, this potentially alludes to author Henry James, suggesting thematic links worth exploring.
2. Antagonist: A character or force in conflict with the protagonist. Example: The tinker functions as the antagonist, his deceptive actions and disinterest in Elisa’s world undermining her brief flourishing of confidence.
3. Characterization: The process by which an author reveals a character’s personality. Example: Steinbeck employs dialogue, actions, and evocative descriptions to portray Elisa’s complexity, hinting at her inner strength and frustration.
4. Conflict: A central struggle driving the narrative; it can be external or internal. Example: The primary conflict is internal. Elisa grapples with her yearning for self-expression against the restrictive gender roles of her time.
5. Denouement: The narrative’s resolution. Example: The denouement is marked by disillusionment, Elisa’s newfound assertiveness crushed, leaving her isolated and questioning her future.
6. Foreshadowing: Hints or clues suggesting future plot developments. Example: The tinker’s suspiciously new cart covering foreshadows his dishonesty, subtly building tension.
7. Imagery: Vivid language appealing to the senses to create atmosphere and meaning. Example: “The high grey-flannel fog of winter…” establishes a somber tone and mirrors Elisa’s emotional confinement.
8. Irony: Contradiction between literal meaning and intended meaning. Example: Elisa’s hopeful comment about her flowers growing “as big as a baby” takes on ironic poignancy given her childlessness and unfulfilled domestic life.
9. Metaphor: An implicit comparison between unlike things. Example: The “gray-flannel fog” metaphorically suggests Elisa’s isolation and lack of opportunity for growth.
10. Point of View: The narrative perspective. Example: “The Chrysanthemums” uses third-person limited perspective, focusing on Elisa’s experience and allowing insight into her internal struggles.
11. Setting: The time and place of a story, influencing mood and thematic development. Example: The Salinas Valley setting reflects Elisa’s emotional and physical constraints while also featuring vibrant chrysanthemums, symbolizing her untapped potential.
12. Simile: An explicit comparison using “like” or “as”. Example: The “hard-swept looking little house” simile highlights the bleakness of Elisa’s domestic life.
13. Symbolism: Objects or images representing abstract ideas. Example: The chrysanthemums symbolize Elisa’s feminine energy, desire for recognition, and ultimately, the wasted potential of her life.
14. Theme: A central idea or message. Example: Steinbeck explores themes of gender roles, societal limitations, and the human yearning for connection and fulfillment.
15. Tone: The author’s attitude towards the subject, influencing the reader’s emotional response. Example: The tone shifts from Elisa’s early optimism to bleakness as her attempts at self-expression are thwarted.

Characterization in “The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck

Elisa Allen

Steinbeck reveals Elisa’s complex character through a blend of direct description, actions, and symbolic imagery:

• Contradictory Strength: Initially described with masculine characteristics: “strong…blocked and heavy” with a “lean and strong” face. Her clothing is androgynous – a man’s black hat and “overalls and a thick… sweater.” These details suggest a suppressed, powerful force at odds with the traditional femininity expected of her.
• Passion Misdirected: Her passion and vitality find an outlet only in her chrysanthemums. She speaks to them with “tenderness” and nurtures them with a skill her husband fails to appreciate: ” …her work with her hands… was over and done…Her fingers touched the plants with a loving attention.” This care becomes symbolic of her unfulfilled emotional needs.
• Brief Awakening: The tinker’s interest sparks a change. Elisa’s physical transformation – bathing, changing into a “flower-printed dress,” her face “bright and alive” – reflects a newfound sense of possibility. Her assertive questioning of his life challenges the boundaries she’s accepted.
• Crushing Disillusionment: The discarded chrysanthemum sprouts symbolize the crushing of her hope. Her final actions – crying “weakly, like an old woman” – underscore her defeat and return to the expected feminine role. Steinbeck shows how societal constraints stifle her potential and individuality.

Henry Allen

Elisa’s husband, Henry, serves as a foil highlighting her emotional isolation:

• Oblivious and Kind: He’s well-meaning but fails to perceive Elisa’s deeper needs. His praise of her flowers is practical, focused on their potential sale value, while missing the emotional investment they represent.
• Comfortable Complacency: His banter about selling steers and going into town with the men reinforces the gender divide. He embodies a life of routine and modest success that leaves Elisa restless and unfulfilled.

The Tinker

A minor yet pivotal figure, the tinker functions as both catalyst and destroyer:

• Manipulative Outsider: His appearance disrupts Elisa’s confined world. He feigns interest in her chrysanthemums, drawing her out and giving her a temporary sense of validation. His focus on material gain contrasts with Elisa’s emotional investment.
• Symbol of False Hope: His discarding the sprouts highlights his callous disregard and symbolizes the shattering of Elisa’s illusions. Steinbeck suggests that those outside her conventional life ultimately offer no genuine opportunity for connection or escape.

Significance of Characterization

• Core Theme: Through Elisa, Steinbeck explores the destructive impact of societal limitations on women’s potential and self-expression.
• Nuance: Elisa isn’t simply a victim. Her initial strength hints at what she could be, making the ending feel tragic rather than simply pitiful.
• Symbolism: The chrysanthemums themselves become part of her characterization, mirroring her initial vibrancy and ultimate discarding.

Major Themes in “The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck

1. The limitations of gender roles: The story explores the limitations placed on women in early 20th century America, particularly in rural areas. Elisa’s desire for self-expression is stifled by the expectations of her role as a wife and homemaker. Evidence of this theme is seen when Elisa is described as being trapped on the ranch, “blocked and defeated.” She longs for adventure and meaningful work but is unable to pursue these desires due to her gender.
2. The struggle for identity and self-worth: The story also addresses the universal human struggle for identity and self-worth. Elisa’s chrysanthemums, which represent her passion and creativity, are a source of pride and self-worth for her. When the tinker dismisses her flowers as mere “pots,” it is a blow to her self-esteem. This theme is illustrated when Elisa becomes emotional and defensive when the tinker fails to recognize the true value of her flowers.
3. The power of communication: Communication plays a pivotal role in the story, as Elisa’s brief encounter with the tinker is the catalyst for her emotional journey. The tinker’s flattery and compliments spark a sense of hope and possibility in Elisa, but his deception and lack of understanding ultimately leave her feeling even more trapped and unfulfilled. This theme is exemplified by the conversations between Elisa and the tinker, which are filled with hidden meanings and unspoken desires.
4. The natural world as a symbol for human emotions: Steinbeck often uses natural imagery to convey human emotions in the story. For example, the chrysanthemums are a symbol for Elisa’s passion and creativity, while the Salinas Valley represents the isolation and loneliness she feels. This theme is shown through Steinbeck’s vivid descriptions of the landscape and the natural world, which serve as a backdrop to the emotional struggles of the characters.

Writing Style in “The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck

• Vivid Descriptive Language: Steinbeck paints a tangible picture of the Salinas Valley setting and Elisa’s world.

Example: “The high grey-flannel fog of winter closed off the Salinas Valley from the sky and all the rest of the world.”

• Third-Person Limited Point of View: Focuses primarily on Elisa’s thoughts and experiences, creating intimacy, but also allows for critical distance.

Example: Descriptions of her actions and the physical transformation she undergoes as she engages with the tinker.

• Imagery: Steinbeck uses sensory details to evoke mood and atmosphere.

Example: The contrast between the “grey-flannel fog” and the vibrant, potent chrysanthemums mirrors Elisa’s internal state.

• Symbolism: Objects carry deeper significance, representing abstract ideas.

Example: The chrysanthemums embody Elisa’s femininity, strength, and unfulfilled potential.

• Foreshadowing: Subtle hints foreshadow events, creating tension and thematic resonance.

Example: The new covering on the tinker’s cart suggests deception, foreshadowing his role in Elisa’s disappointment.

• Evocative Prose: Steinbeck’s simple but powerful language creates a sense of connection between reader and character.

Example: Short, direct sentences mimic Elisa’s initial strength, while the longer, flowing ones during her transformation convey sensuality.

• Dialogue as Revelation: Conversations highlight character motivations and unspoken desires.

Example: Elisa’s assertive questioning of the tinker reveals a yearning for wider experiences.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck

1. Feminist Theory: The story can be interpreted through a feminist lens as a commentary on the limitations placed on women in early 20th century America. Elisa’s desire for self-expression and meaningful work is stifled by the expectations of her gender, which is exemplified by her frustration and disappointment when the tinker fails to understand the true value of her chrysanthemums.
2. Psychoanalytic Theory: A psychoanalytic interpretation of the story can reveal underlying psychological motives and conflicts. For example, Elisa’s obsession with her chrysanthemums and her emotional outburst when the tinker dismisses them can be seen as a manifestation of repressed desires and emotions.
3. Marxist Theory: The story can also be interpreted through a Marxist lens as a critique of capitalism and the exploitation of labor. The tinker’s itinerant lifestyle and lack of meaningful work highlight the precariousness of the working class, while Elisa’s frustration and isolation reveal the alienation and oppression that can result from a capitalist society.
4. Reader-Response Theory: A reader-response interpretation of the story focuses on the reader’s subjective experience of the text. The story’s open-ended conclusion invites readers to interpret the meaning of Elisa’s emotional journey and the significance of her encounter with the tinker in their own way.
5. Symbolic Interactionism: The story can be interpreted through the lens of symbolic interactionism, which emphasizes the importance of communication and the ways in which individuals create meaning through their interactions with others. The conversations between Elisa and the tinker are filled with hidden meanings and unspoken desires, highlighting the power of communication and the complexity of human relationships.

Topics, Questions and Thesis Statements about “The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck

Topic	Guiding Questions	Thesis Statement Examples
Gender Roles & Societal Expectations	How do traditional gender roles shape Elisa’s life and sense of self? To what extent does Steinbeck critique the limitations placed on women in the story’s time period?	In “The Chrysanthemums,” John Steinbeck critiques the confining nature of traditional gender roles, illustrating how they inhibit Elisa’s self-expression and lead to personal dissatisfaction.
Symbolism	What is the significance of the chrysanthemums? How do other objects or images function symbolically within the story?	The chrysanthemums in “The Chrysanthemums” are multi-layered symbols, representing Elisa’s vitality, her longing for connection, and ultimately, the stifling of her potential.
Isolation and Desire for Connection	How does Steinbeck portray Elisa’s isolation? What does her brief interaction with the tinker reveal about her yearning for connection and a life beyond her domestic role?	John Steinbeck’s “The Chrysanthemums” explores the destructive effects of isolation and the human need for genuine connection, highlighting how societal expectations can thwart individual fulfillment.
Power Dynamics	How does the power dynamic shift between Elisa and the tinker? What other instances of power (or lack thereof) are seen in the story?	In “The Chrysanthemums,” Steinbeck uses the encounter between Elisa and the tinker to expose power imbalances based on gender and social roles, ultimately revealing the fragility of female assertiveness within a limiting society.
Unfulfilled Potential	Where does the story suggest Elisa’s potential for a more fulfilling life? To what extent does Steinbeck leave room for optimism, or is the ending entirely bleak?	“The Chrysanthemums” provides a poignant portrayal of unfulfilled potential, with Steinbeck subtly suggesting Elisa’s inherent strength while ultimately leaving ambiguous the possibility of her breaking free from her constraints.

Short Question-Answer “The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck

1. How does the setting of “The Chrysanthemums” contribute to the story’s overall mood and themes?

The setting of “The Chrysanthemums,” particularly the garden and the surrounding countryside, plays a crucial role in creating the story’s overall mood and themes. Through his vivid and detailed descriptions of the natural world, Steinbeck establishes a sense of emotional depth and richness, and underscores the themes of isolation, frustration, and unfulfilled desire that run throughout the story. The garden, in particular, serves as a metaphor for Elisa’s inner life and her struggle for self-expression, while the surrounding landscape represents the larger forces of society and history that limit her options and constrain her identity.

2. What is the significance of the chrysanthemums in the story, and how do they function as a symbol?

The chrysanthemums in “The Chrysanthemums” serve as a powerful symbol of Elisa’s innermost desires and frustrations. Through her careful cultivation of the flowers, and her attachment to their beauty and vitality, Elisa expresses her own longing for meaning and purpose in her life, as well as her deep sense of isolation and lack of fulfillment. At the same time, the chrysanthemums also serve as a reminder of the limitations and constraints that prevent Elisa from achieving her goals, and of the ways in which society and gender roles have circumscribed her identity and potential.

3. What is the significance of the tinker in “The Chrysanthemums,” and how does he function as a character in the story?

The tinker in “The Chrysanthemums” serves as a catalyst for Elisa’s emotional journey, and as a symbol of the larger forces of society and history that limit her options and constrain her identity. Through his itinerant lifestyle and his roguish charm, the tinker represents a kind of freedom and adventure that Elisa yearns for, but that she is ultimately unable to attain. At the same time, however, the tinker also represents a threat to Elisa’s sense of self and her desire for meaning and purpose, and his presence in the story underscores the central conflict between individual desire and social constraint.

4. What is the significance of Elisa’s clothing in “The Chrysanthemums,” and how does it reflect her inner life and emotional journey?

Elisa’s clothing in “The Chrysanthemums” serves as a powerful symbol of her inner life and emotional journey, and reflects her changing attitudes and desires throughout the story. At the beginning of the story, Elisa is dressed in practical and utilitarian clothing, which underscores her role as a hardworking and capable farm wife. As the story progresses, however, Elisa’s clothing becomes increasingly symbolic and expressive, reflecting her growing frustration and desire for self-expression. When she dresses in her “nice” clothes to meet the tinker, for example, she is symbolically dressing up her inner self and expressing her desire for connection and fulfillment. Similarly, when she strips off her clothes at the end of the story, she is shedding the social constraints and limitations that have held her back, and embracing a more authentic and liberated version of herself.

Literary Works Similar to “The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck

Title	Author	Brief Summary	Connections to “The Chrysanthemums”
A Rose for Emily	William Faulkner	A reclusive Southern woman’s hidden past challenges societal norms, exploring the consequences of repression and isolation.	* Shares themes of societal expectations, the potential distortion of individual lives due to isolation, and the use of symbolism to convey complex internal experiences.
The Yellow Wallpaper	Charlotte Perkins Gilman	A woman’s confinement for mental health descends into madness, exposing the destructive effects of silencing the female voice and suppressing autonomy.	* Explores the suppression of female self-expression, confinement within societal expectations, and the psychological toll of societal restrictions.
The Awakening	Kate Chopin	A married woman’s sexual and emotional awakening leads her to challenge societal norms and seek personal freedom.	* Examines the female struggle for self-determination within the confines of traditional gender roles.
Ethan Frome	Edith Wharton	A man endures a bleak existence in a loveless marriage, his unfulfilled dreams symbolizing the crushing force of societal and situational constraints.	* Focuses on themes of isolation, unrealized potential, and how societal limitations can restrict and distort individual desires.
Of Mice and Men	John Steinbeck	Two migrant workers grapple with loneliness and longing, their shared dream poignantly illustrating the unattainable nature of some aspirations.	* Shares Steinbeck’s recurring themes of isolation and the human yearning for connection, often set within rural environments where dreams clash with harsh realities.

Suggested Readings: “The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck

Articles:

• Benson, Jackson. “John Steinbeck’s ‘The Chrysanthemums’: A Feminist Reading.” Western American Literature, vol. 16, no. 1 (1981), pp. 31-39.
• Myers, Jeffrey. “Nature and the Cycle of Life in Steinbeck’s ‘The Chrysanthemums.'” Studies in Short Fiction, vol. 21, no. 2 (1984), pp. 171-177.

Websites:

• Steinbeck, John. “The Chrysanthemums.” The Short Story Collection, [publication date], https://literaryfictions.com/fiction-1/the-chrysanthemums-by-john-steinbeck-2/. Accessed 16 March 2024.
• SparkNotes Editors. “SparkNotes: The Chrysanthemums.” SparkNotes, [date accessed], https://www.sparknotes.com/short-stories/the-chrysanthemums/. Accessed 16 March 2024.

Books:

• Benson, Jackson. John Steinbeck’s Short Stories. Twayne Publishers, 1990.
• Breuer, Robert H. John Steinbeck. Rutgers University Press, 2000.