The Crysanthemums

John Steinbeck uses his unique literary style to write the short story “The Chrysanthemums,” where he brings his readers to a society of inequality amongst the genders. “The Chrysanthemums” depicts the challenges of Elisa Allen, a thirty five-year-old woman who is expected to be a traditional housewife. Her ongoing transformation throughout the story portrays the life of a woman trying to gain meaning in her dull life during the 1930’s. John Steinbeck's, “The Chrysanthemums,” shows the true feelings of the protagonist, Elisa Allen, through the use of femininity, self-awareness, and weakness.

Elisa’s character undergoes a complete transformation of femininity, due to her conversation with the tinker. The story initially describes Elisa’s appearance using words associated with manliness, as Steinbeck states, her face is “strong, eager, and handsome,” and her figure is “blocked and heavy” (228). Furthermore, she wears a man's hat, heavy leather gloves, and a big apron that hides her printed dress (228). As a result, she is depicted as a woman with greater masculine qualities than feminine qualities. However, as soon as she encounters the tinker and notices his interest in Chrysanthemums, “the irritation melted from Elisa’s face” (232), and eventually reveals her womanly side. After the tinker left, she “scrubbed herself with a little block of pumice, legs and thighs, loins and chest and arms, until her skin was scratched and red” (236). She then bathes and puts on a dress to make herself look more feminine (237). For the first time, Elisa feels valued and special by the tinker. As a result, she puts more effort into beautifying herself than the house or garden. Therefore, one can see that although Elisa is i...

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...ouse wives, and mothers who are fragile and insignificant. Instead, she is to remain in a “closed pot” (228), just as she is expected to do. As a result, she cries at the truth that she will always be reminded, that she is a “weak” and “useless” woman, which only increases her frustrations and dissatisfactions about her marriage (238).

In conclusion, Steinbeck’s “The Chrysanthemums” illustrates the life of Elisa Allen, who struggles with womanhood, self-recognition, and impotence. Although, she is described as a modern house wife of the 1930's, it is clear, that she is far from the average traditional spouse. Rather, she yearns to be represented in the masculine world. However, through Elisa’s tribulations and limitations, she has unfortunately lessoned her stature. Therefore, one should learn to make the best use of our present rights of equality.