Symbolism the chrysanthemums
Symbolism- the chrysanthemumsSymbolism- "The Chrysanthemums
John Steinbecks' "The Chrysanthemums" is a story that utilizes symbolism on many levels. Most of all, I believe in the character of Elisa Adams. Elisa and her garden seem to be considered one. Because of all of her hard labor and love the Chrysanthemums flourish. The Chrysanthemums being a symbol of children that she never had. Also Chrysanthemums are a symbol of death. The pairing of the death association and the symbol of what the Chrysanthemums mean to Elisa is ironic. In modern society Chrysanthemums are generally brought to funerals, but they keep her going. Steinbeck also uses symbolism in his description of the time of year and surrounding area. He first describes the farm as having a lack of sunshine and the season being December, all attributes to the overall feeling of death.
At the begging of the story Steinbeck set the tone of the story. "The high gray-flannel fog of winter…made the valley like a closed pot." Here the tone is very plainly presented, it’s cold and foggy, a sense of dark, even perhaps death can be seen. It is intrusting to note the parallel and symbolism between the clay pot and the valley Elisa. It is almost as if Elisa was to leave the valley, like the Chrysanthemums, she would be dumped out...
To view the complete essay, you be registered.