Chrysanthemums symbolize Elisa by having sensitivity under a strong outer layer. Steinbeck describes Elisa’s face as “lean and strong and her eyes were as clear as water” (246). When reading this passage, the reader pictures a hard working face, but a meek soul as one looks through Elisa’s kind eyes. The author portrays Elisa as a sweet young woman afraid to show her true feelings out of fear of having her sensitive side trampled by a less car

John Steinbeck did an incredible job of using chrysanthemums to symbolize Elisa Allen. He parallels the main character and the flowers in that they are both soft with a rough exterior, both have a beauty unique of their own; and Mrs. Allen and the chrysanthemums need to be nourished and pampered to bloom.

The chrysanthemums and Elisa both had a unique beauty that was not apparent to everyone at an immediate first glance. Most often a beautiful woman is described as dainty, feminine, sweet, and other similar adjectives which connate a well manicured, clean, sweet smelling woman. However, as one reads about Elisa Allen no such descriptions are formed. Instead, the author describes her as strong, handsome, and lean. This portrays a positive description, but in a masculine way not feminine as most would use to describe an attractive woman. Elisa is an attractive woman. Definitely an asset to her husband, but one would not picture her as gorgeous but rather striking. Usually words such as sweet, aromatic, or full-bodied are used when describing flowers, yet when describing the chrysanthemums, Mr. Steinbeck uses phrases such as, “nasty till you get used to them” (249), and “a good bitter smell” (249). The author describes both Elisa and the flowers in a positive way, but definitely with a sense of unique beauty that is not forthcoming at first glance. Normally, when a woman is compared to a flower, a rose is used as a symbol of beauty.

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