Veiled Femininity
In John Steinbeck’s “The Chrysanthemums,” Steinbeck introduces the reader to Elisa Allen. He creates a vivid picture of Elisa by using symbolism and settings throughout the story. Steinbeck’s choice of setting, a secluded ranch in a mountain valley, gives the reader a sense of isolation, which Elisa must experience everyday. Although she lives on this ranch with her husband, Henry, they don’t seem to have a very close relationship in the story. Because of this isolation, Elisa seems to have an uncommon bond with her flowers: she relates herself with her chrysanthemums. Elisa’s need to feel strong is the reason she hides her femininity and protects herself from own feelings.
While describing Elisa’s clothing, Steinbeck shows us that Elisa is uncomfortable with herself. Elisa spends much of her time gardening in her “costume, a man’s black hat pulled down over her eyes, clodhopper shoes, a figured print dress almost completely covered by a big corduroy......
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Approximate Word Count: 1159
Approximate Pages: 5 (260 words per double-spaced page) |