Symbolic Chysanthemums

In the first page of the story, Steinbeck portrays Eliza as a weary, aging woman. It seems to the reader that Eliza is just insipidly going through the motions of her day. Then, her husband inquires about this years Chrysanthemum crop. Her husband, Henry, asks Eliza if she is “at it again”. Eliza answers back very arrogantly, “Yes they’ll be strong this coming year”. This comment made by Eliza in a “smug” manner, implies that she takes great pride in her prize flower

Eliza says, “That sounds like a nice way to live” (Steinbeck). She would like to have traveled when she was younger instead of being trapped on a ranch, to be free from responsibilities. Eliza’s gorgeous chrysanthemums are the only way for her to express herself. Her soul is trapped behind her aged point of view. Also, Eliza’s husband doesn’t recognize her inner beauty. You look strong enough to break a calf over your knee, happy enough to eat it like a watermelon” (Steinbeck). This quote explains that Henry takes Eliza for granted. This leaves her vulnerable when a stranger comes along, who lives in a manner she desires to live, and shows her appreciation. Eliza gives him a few chrysanthemums planted in a red pot which symbolizes her giving him a piece of her, even though she couldn’t go along with him. Eliza didn’t actually want to go with the stranger in his wagon. But the “grass is a

Some topics in this essay:
Henry Eliza, Steinbeck Eliza, Chrysanthemums Steinbeck, John Steinbeck, Diego Takes, steinbeck flowers, flowers steinbeck, non-existent children, john steinbeck, eliza’s chrysanthemums,