Many examples of symbolism are given to influence the plot in John Steinbeck’s short story, “The Chrysanthemums.” He uses the flowers to symbolize the main character’s thoughts and ideas. For example, Elisa Allen is a lonely woman who enjoys growing and nourishing her chrysanthemums. Since her husband is always working the cattle in their farm, she never has enough attention or any kind of affection. The result of this dispassionate marriage leads Steinbeck to describe his main character as, “Her face lean and strong

Many examples of symbolism are given to influence the plot in Shirley Jacksons short story, “The Lottery.” Jackson mainly uses names to stress the plot, although she does have an object as a symbol of great influence to the plot. For example, Jackson uses the name Mr. Graves throughout her story, who is the coordinator of the lottery. She doesn’t need to give any explanation to the name, because it speaks for itself, as a symbol of death. Jackson also uses the name Mr. Summers which did many things. He had the wooden chips replaced with more convenient slips of paper. Also “Every year, after the lottery, Mr. Summers began talking again about a new box, but every year the subject was allowed to fade off without anything‘s being done.” (Ford 63); therefore, he also represented new ideas. The new ideas that the close-minded village people would not accept. If given the chance, Mr. Summers would have more than likely accepted and backed the motion to cease the lottery and stop the sacrifice. Even though he conducted the lottery which someone was sacrificed (murdered) he is seen as one of the most innocent characters because of his new ideas and wishes for something better. Another character is Old Man Warner, which is the oldest man in town; therefore, having the most knowledge of what the original tradition was all about. He lets us know that there has “always been a lottery” (66). He is repeatedly “warning” the younger parents and the younger generation of what they are in for if they do away with the lottery. Of him “warning” the younger folks that’s where he gets his name Warner. Also Jackson uses the black box throughout her story as symbol of tradition not to be changed. The black box is the central symbol or idea of the story. The fact that it is an old, black, wore out box puts evil thoughts in ones mind while reading the story. Jackson uses symbolic acts to stress the evil in mankind. For example, Mrs

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