Essay Database

In John Steinbeck’s short story The Chrysanthemums a struggle for equality is portrayed through the character Elisa Allen. Elisa is a frustrated woman living in a male dominated society. This theme is introduced to the audience at the beginning of the story. Elisa’s figure is described as “blocked and heavy” and her home is described as “hard-swept” and “hard-polished.” I believe that Elisa is possibly unhappy with her female role, so in turn, …

…through the story of aiming for masculinity however always retreated to femininity. As Elisa and her husband depart their home for an evening out, she sees a black speck in the road ahead. Instantly she knows what it is: her lovely chrysanthemums. Her heart is broken. I think this last scene results in Elisa’s final retreat back to her feminity as she quietly cries from pain realizing her desires for equality are a failure.