American Literature

A.1.The chrysanthemums stand as symbols for the kind of life led by the protagonist of the story, Elisa. Elisa is a beautiful woman but her husband never appreciates her beauty or gives any importance to her feelings and desires. Similarly, the chrysanthemums are regarded as unimportant flowers by the society in spite of the fact they are beautiful and lovely. The chrysanthemums represent Eliza in the story and the way she is treated by her husband, Henry and the tinker. The chrysanthemums are not universal symbols it is only in the story that the author presents them as the symbols of neglect experienced by Eliza at the hands of her husband. Elisa is lonely, as her husband devotes more attention to his work than Elisa. So Elisa seeks comfort in her chrysanthemums, which she regards as good things. The chrysanthemums aid Elisa in overcoming her loneliness and also provide her with a sense of achievement. The other symbolic element in the story is the Salinas Valley the foggy atmosphere of the valley reflects the emotions and feelings of Elisa.

A.2. Elisa is a beautiful and intelligent woman who yearns for a passionate married life. But as her husband is more interested in his work than his wife, she is forced to lead a dull and boring life. Elisa tries to keep herself occupied by looking after her garden. She is proud of the chrysanthemums that she grows in her garden, for they are the biggest among all the chrysanthemums in her neighborhood. Elisas joy and pride regarding her chrysanthemums is perceptible when the wagon-rider asks her about her plants. Oh, those are chrysanthemums, giant whites and yellows. I raise them every year, bigger than anybody around here. (Steinbeck). Elisas mundane life is brightened up by her chrysanthemums. She gains pleasure

from the fact that her plant growing skills are appreciated by her husband. Elisa is contented when her husband says to her, Youve got a gift with things, Henry observed. Some of those yellow chrysanthemums you had this year were ten inches across. (Steinbeck). When Elisa realizes that the tinker has utilized her love for chrysanthemums to coax her to give him some pots to mend, she is disappointed immensely. Elisa feels that she is being trapped in a loveless marriage and always seeks a way to divert her mind from the discontent she is experiencing regarding her married life. 

A.3. Elisa cannot be held responsible for her troubles. It is Henry, Elisas husband who is the cause of Elisas troubles. He is so engrossed in his work that he fails to fulfill the emotional needs of his wife.  It is owing to the neglect of Henry that Elisa is compelled to face loneliness and unhappiness in her life.

A.4. Elisas and Henrys marriage can be termed as a loveless and unhappy marriage, for there is lack of affection and satisfaction between the spouses. The thinking and attitudes of Elisa and Henry are far different from each other. Although Henry appreciates her chrysanthemums, he suggests her to use her gift to grow apples. Youve got a gift with things, Henry observed. Some of those yellow chrysanthemums you had this year were ten inches across. I wish youd work out in the orchard and raise some apples that big. (Steinbeck). This proves that Henrys happiness is concerned with monetary gains. He neither takes any efforts to fulfill the desires of his wife nor tries to understand the feelings of his wife. Owing to the negligent attitude of her husband, Elisa is frustrated with her married life.