The Crysanthemums Essays -- Literary Analysis, John Steinbeck

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 expect to be a traditional theatrewife. Her ongoing transformation throughout the story portrays the heart of a woman trying to gain meaning in her dull life during the 1930s. John Steinbecks, The Chrysanthemums, shows the true feelings of the protagonist, Elisa Allen, through the use of femininity, self-awareness, and weakness. Elisas character undergoes a complete transformation of femininity, due to her conversation with the tinker. The story initially describes Elisas appearance using words associated with manliness, as Steinbeck states, her formulation is strong, eager, and handsome, and her figure is blocked and heavy (228). Furthermore, she wears a mans 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 mannish qualities than feminine qualities. However, as soon as she encounters the tinker and notices his interest in Chrysanthemums, the irritation melted from Elisas buttock (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... ...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 use less woman, which only increases her frustrations and dissatisfactions about her marriage (238). In conclusion, Steinbecks 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 1930s, it is clear, that she is far from the average traditional spouse. Rather, she yearns to be represented in the masculine world. However, through Elisas tribulations and limitations, she has unfortunately lessoned her stature. Therefore, one should learn to make the best use of our present rights of equality.