The story “The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck is awash with many instances describing the sad, isolated sorry state of affairs in Salina valley. The sad narration of the valley further guides the feeling of defining the setting while evoking emotions, in this case, of sadness (Steinbeck 237). Such is the introduction to frustration and significant limitations women face, as Steinbeck depicts in Elisa. Moreover, the fog shows the lack of rain and the barrenness of the land. The book covers the place of women in society and their frustrations through male domination while overprotecting themselves and trying to fit into masculine roles, which is evident in Elisa’s life. The removal of barriers set by a person helps in the discovery of a person’s potential and in the process self-discovery.
Elisa’s life is quite unsatisfactory, as evidenced by the interaction between her and Henry, her husband. Steinbeck further refers to the “farmers” waiting for “rain” (Steinbeck 237). In this case, Farmers are unsatisfied with the events taking place where the author describes the harsh conditions that have made the land barren in the process. Thus, he describes a barren land in the valley. Moreover, the lifeless state of the cultivated lands comes into play since they do not have corps while along the river, there are scrubs. Even though the land is barren, Steinbeck still depicts chrysanthemums and their growth in indicating how the farmers wait for the rain to continue their activities. Also, the man focuses on the chrysanthemum crop while still alluding to them brings out her feminine side where she ‘functions’ best (Sweet 212).
Through his feigned interest in the flowers, he causes Elisa to shed off her supposedly masculine nature. Her emotional escapades include freeing her sexuality in how she describes how one should handle the crops to the man. Hope is evident in words on the wagon, particularly those denoting ‘Fixed’ (Steinbeck 239). Steinbeck further brings into play a character who does not stick to one place and moves through the seasons in following “nice weather” that does not favor the valley (240). The man in the process lifts the “lid” regarding Elisa’s life in reducing her loneliness through the exchange they have (Steinbeck 237).
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The man comes to fix various things more so symbolizing the mending of multiple issues in the life of Elisa, as evident in her reaction towards him that she had not felt in a long time. The tender shoots that she tends to show the new possibilities that may arise while the fence protects them from hedging them in just as if her life is lonely. Moreover, no pests are present under the stubble roots, further showing her care for the flowers and symbolically for her life, even as shown in her wearing gloves to protect her from hurt in the garden while doing engaging in masculine activities (Sweet 211).
In conclusion, Elisa finds meaning through an intimate and in-depth conversation that causes her to discover more about herself. In removing various barriers, Elisa can experience life more meaningfully than before even though she lives in a society laced with high inequality while still aging in the process without living the life she desires. In describing the woman in a masculine way, the author further equals her with the men even though that is far from the truth. Steinbeck focuses on using plants such a chrysanthemum to represent the life of a woman and their struggles. The authors further show the importance of breaking barriers by removing barriers and experiencing life in the process. Deep and revealing conversations draw out weaknesses and develop strengths that give purpose to the life of Elisa.
