John Steinbeck’s The Chrysanthemums: Summary, Analysis, Theme, Symbols

One of John Steinbeck’s most accomplished short stories, The Chrysanthemums is about an intelligent, creative woman coerced into a stifling existence on her husband’s ranch. The story appeared in Harper’s Magazine in 1937; a revised version, which contained less sexual imagery, was published in the 1938 collection The Long Valley. Many critics believe the story reflected Steinbeck’s own sense of frustration, rejection, and loneliness at the time the story was written. Some scholars also have speculated that the female protagonist of The Chrysanthemums, Elisa Allen, was inspired by Steinbeck’s first wife, Carol Henning.

The Chrysanthemums Characters

This is a story with only three characters and the main character is Elisa Allen. She is a 35 year old strong woman. She is attractive and she has a lot of interest in gardening and in housekeeping. Her husband is Henry Allen is also fond of gardening and also in trading cattle. We have a third character. The name of the character is not mentioned but his profession is a tinker that is a person who mends the broken pots and sharpens the scissors.

The Chrysanthemums Story in Brief

Elisa Allen, the heroine of the story takes pride in her independent production of ten-inches long Chrysanthemum plant. Her work is appreciated by her husband. There is an appearance of a big stubble-headed wagon-man who makes fun with Elisa, he mends pots, sharpens instruments like knives and scissors, with fixed price. Elisa has nothing to give him, which disheartens him, as he has earned nothing for his supper.

The man’s notice falls on the Chrysanthemums that Elisa has grown and asks for some seeds. Elisa is elated. Elisa gave some little sprouts of plants instead of seeds to be planted. Eagerly, she digs up the sandy soil with her finger to plant the sprouting plants for fast growth. Some broken saucepans are given by her for repairing. He is satisfied to get fifty cent as price for the same. Elisa gives him direction about the road to his destiny, without knowing that she is duped by him. Washing herself in the bathroom, she puts on neat dress, looking admirable. Henry, her husband, admires her beauty. Elisa boasts of her self-confidence.

Together they drive to Salinas for dinner and entertainment on the road. She feels depressed observing the thrown elements of sand of the shoots, but hides her depression by referring to exciting fights and intoxicating wine. Henry is surprised to her sudden metamorphosis. Steinbeck narrates her sudden change as she has been duped by the wagon-man. She feels defeated as her cherished chrysanthemums are not cared according to her great expectations. For further reading click the following link

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