Oppression In The Chrysanthemums By John Steinbeck

The Chrysanthemums Analysis Is it possible for a woman to break free of the oppression that she feels inside? “The Chrysanthemums,” by John Steinbeck tell of how the flowers that Elisa Allen grows mimic her own existence. Elisa lives in the Salinas Valley which is isolated from the rest of the world by mountains and a high dense winter fog. She yearns of the day when she will break free of her mundane life and a valley that holds her prisoner. Maybe it is wishful thinking or she may be ready to take on a world that considers her the weaker sex. Henry and Elisa Allen live on a cattle ranch in the Salinas Valley and it is here that Elisa relishes in her flower garden. Elisa, dressed in a man’s old hat, clod hopper shoes, figure print dress that she covers with a blocked apron, and a pair of leather gloves, is busy with her chrysanthemums, while Henry is busy
A tinker man is off his regular route and is in need of work so that he can buy himself dinner. The tinker man and Elisa break the ice with light humorous conversation. When he asks Elisa for something to repair, she assures him that she has nothing in need of repair. The tinker is relentless and after more some small talk, he implores Elisa once again. Elisa is irritated at this point and is adamant that she is not in need of his services. Elisa might wonder if the tinker would be just as insistent if she were a man. After searching for a window into her soul, he spotted the chrysanthemums. ”What’s them plants, ma’am?” Elisa was as vulnerable as her chrysanthemums and the exasperation from the man’s annoyance quickly melted away from her handsome face. He had unlocked the door to her soul and it gave up her secrets. She was proud of her chrysanthemums and knew that she grew the largest and prettiest chrysanthemums for miles around, last year they had ten-inch