The Chrysanthemums

The Symbolism in John Steinbeck’s “The Chrysanthemums” In John Steinbeck’s story “The Chrysanthemums” the symbolic connection between the flowers and Elisa, the main character, was very interesting. Throughout the story the chrysanthemums gave meaning to several things and the way things grew and changed. Although Elisa was a rather flat character within the story, she seemed to have been watered, grown, and blossomed like a flower; the symbolic connection between Elisa and the chrysanthemums illustrated a sense of Elisa’s wholeness, pride, and maturity. When it comes to mentioning Elisa’s wholeness I’m referring to her sense of feeling complete within her inner self. Elisa’s love and passion for planting, growing and nurturing the chrysanthemums showed how “whole” she felt about and towards doing something she loved. “I’ve a gift with things, all right.” (The Chrysanthemums, 351). Moreover, not only did Elisa love taking care of the chrysanthemums but her husband also knew how the chrysanthemums made Elisa feel. Apart from who she was on the outside gardening the chrysanthemums gave her peace within herself. “Elisa’s eyes grew alert and eager.” (The Chrysanthemums, 353). This helps to show the reader how excited Elisa was about the flowers. She was very excited to share what she has come to learn about the chrysanthemums. She was filled with enormous pride especially to notice others take notice of her good work. Aside from the many symbolic connections and references within the story, Elisa’s sense of pride about the chrysanthemums was very intriguing. “I raise them every year, bigger than anybody around here.” (The Chrysanthemums, 352). Just like the chrysanthemums were something adored by others and very rare for others to grow; they brought about a sense of pride to Elisa to know that she was able to have that extraordinary gift to grow such a beautiful flower. Furthermore, the chrysanthemum represents a sense of maturing as they endure change