What is the moral of the chrysanthemums?
The story’s major theme is about gender roles and the oppression of women. Trapped in her role as “wife”, “gardener”, and “housekeeper”, Elisa longs to have more agency, but can only watch from a distance as her husband negotiates business deals, and ask for small favors like wine at dinner.
What does the fence symbolize in the chrysanthemums?
In “The Chrysanthemums,” the wire fence symbolizes Elisa’s separation from the world. The fence serves both to protect and imprison her.
Who are the main characters in the chrysanthemums?
Character List
- Elisa Allen. The protagonist. A robust thirty-five-year-old woman, Elisa lives with her husband, Henry, on a ranch in the Salinas Valley.
- The Tinker. A tall, bearded man who makes his living repairing pots, pans, and other kitchen utensils. The tinker is a smart person and charming salesman.
- Henry Allen. Elisa’s husband.
Why does Elisa want to see a fight at the end of the story?
Answer: She feels used by the tinker and she may feel that seeing a big man get beat up will make her feel better.
What does Elisa see at the end of the chrysanthemums?
While they are driving down the road, she sees her gift of chrysanthemums lying in the road. She does not say anything to her husband, who drives on past the “dark speck.” The experience saddens her, because she knows the peddler did not appreciate what she valued.
What does the stranger do that makes Elisa sad?
At the end of “The Chrysanthemums,” what does the stranger do that makes Elisa sad? He tells her that her chrysanthemums are ugly.
How does the chrysanthemums begin?
The story begins with a panoramic view of the Salinas Valley in winter, which is very common in various of Steinbeck’s stories. When Elisa is planting her chrysanthemums, her husband shows up to talk to her after he made a deal selling some head of cattle to the Western Meat Company.
What does Elisa see at the end of the chrysanthemums that make her sad?
What happens at the ends of “the chrysanthemums” that makes elisa sad? She sees that the stranger has thrown her chrysanthemum sprouts onto the road.
What is Elisa’s reaction after the stranger leaves?
After the stranger leaves her house, Elisa is left feeling good for his visit and gets dressed up in her prettiest dress for dinner.
What do the chrysanthemums symbolize for Elisa?
Steinbeck uses chrysanthemums as symbols of the inner-self of Elisa and of every woman. First, the chrysanthemums symbolize Elisa’s children. Elisa’s pride in her ability to grow such beautiful flowers reinforces the fact that the flowers are a replacement for her children.
Why does Elisa begin to trust the stranger and invite him into her garden?
Because he compliments her appearance. D. Because he offers to fix her dented pots and pans. Funsizeannie is waiting for your help.
Why does Elisa begin to trust the stranger?
Answer: The stranger shows an interest in her chrysanthemums. Explanation: Leaning ever farther across the fence, the stranger offers to be a messenger for her, offering to carry’s Elisa’s chrysanthemums to a woman who also appreciates beauty but whose garden lacks chrysanthemums.
How does the stranger interaction with Elisa at her garden?
When Elisa is working in the garden, her husband comes to talk to her. He respects her personal space and remains outside. On the other hand, when the stranger meets her, he leans over and enters the garden, with a behaviour that is more aggressive than that of her husband.
What happens at the end of the chrysanthemums?
The Chrysanthemums Summary and Analysis of ‘The Chrysanthemums’: The End. Once the tinker’s wagon disappears, Elisa returns to her house, where she removes all of her clothes and bathes thoroughly. Finally, she slowly gets dressed, wearing her newest and nicest clothes, carefully styling her hair, and doing her make up …
What happens to Elisa and Henry on their ride into town?
As they head for town, she sees the chrysanthemum sprouts she had given the man lying by the side of the road. Soon after, Elisa and Henry’s car passes the wagon and the man. After discussing their evening out a bit more, Elisa turns away from Henry and cries.
What are planting hands in the chrysanthemums?
Elisa has “planting hands”, which means that she has a natural gift for gardening. Not only is she knowledgeable about gardening, but she is able to connect with nature. For others, gardening might be difficult, but for her it flows naturally. I believe that the tinker understands her explanation, but does not care.
How are Elisa and the chrysanthemums similar?
The chrysanthemums symbolize both Elisa and the limited scope of her life. Like Elisa, the chrysanthemums are lovely, strong, and thriving. She offers the chrysanthemums to him at the same time she offers herself, both of which he ignores and tosses aside.
Why is Elisa attracted to the Tinker?
She is attracted to the tinker because, as Stanley Renner points out, he represents a world of adventure and freedom that only men enjoy (306). Elisa realizes her hopes for equality are nothing but a dream because she has been betrayed by her basic nature and by men.
Why is Elisa considered a complex character?
Elisa is perhaps considered a complex character because she seems sometimes passionate and lively and at other times melancholy and restless.
What characterization does Steinbeck use to describe Elisa?
Action
Which statement best describes Elisa?
Answer: C. Elisa is confident and strong, yet somewhat restless in her current situation.
Which method of characterization does Steinbeck use?
The method of characterization that Steinbeck uses in the Chrysanthemum is indirect characterization. He describes Henry by his appearance and how he moves and talks. He also uses the thoughts and feelings of the character as well as what the other characters think of him.
What does the description from the beginning of the chrysanthemums foreshadow about Elisa’s feelings?
Answer Expert Verified The detail from the beginning of “The Chrysanthemums” that foreshadows Elisa’s feelings of being trapped is the settings feels isolated and closed in. When we say foreshadows, this means a signal or a warning about something that is going to happen next.
What characteristics do Elisa and the chrysanthemums share?
Answer: Elisa and the Chrysanthemums share these characteristics: beauty, strength, the inability to go out and explore. Explanation: Chrysanthemums are the central symbol of life, vital energies, sexuality in the story.
How does the stranger show that he is more aggressive?
Based on the given question above, the option that shows how the stranger show that he is more aggressive than Henry when interacting with Elisa at her garden is that, he leans over the fence and eventually enters Elisa’s garden, while Henry respects her space and remains outside.
What kind of feeling do you get from the opening description of the chrysanthemums?
Answer Expert Verified. The detail from the beginning of “The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck foreshadows Elisa’s feelings of being trapped in the description of the setting.