How Does The Chrysanthemums Relate To Feminism

During the late 1800’s and early 1900’s there were many struggles throughout society that depict discrimination. Judgment against gender, race and class all through working and social society were common. Many authors have captured the vast colors of discrimination and feminism throughout this era, especially John Steinbeck. Steinbeck is but one author who represents the feminist perspective in his short story The Chrysanthemums.

Upon the first entrance of Elisa in “The Chrysanthemums”, written by John Steinbeck in 1938, she is found in her garden. Her garden is explained to be fenced in, “wire fence that protected her flower garden from cattle and dogs and chickens.” (Steinbeck, para 2, 1938). This fence is clarified to be there for her protection from wandering animals, this could also be interpreted as the imprisonment, if you will, of Elisa. Not to be confused with a prison for Elisa herself, as
Evident in sly sharp remarks, Elisa proclaims “Nothing like that.” Her eyes hardened with resistance.” (Steinbeck, 1938). Elisa clearly sees herself as better than this man, not just showcasing her disapproval of his status but also applying pity on this hardworking fellow. Steinbeck writes “His voice took on a whining undertone”, and “Maybe I won’t have no supper tonight” (Steinbeck, 1938). The travelling man layers his pity on top of Elisa by repeating the fact that if she doesn’t give him work, he will starve. This shows the lower class preying on the upper class; they have more, therefore must have more to give. “At the back of the house she dug in the can pile and found two old and battered aluminum saucepans. She carried them back and gave them to him. “Here, maybe you can fix these.” (Steinbeck, 1938). Elisa feeds off of his pity, to pour her own pity by finally finding a garbage pan for the man to