How Does Steinbeck Present The Conflict In 'Chrysanthemum'?

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Sexuality and frustration The Chrysanthemum by John Steinbeck is a tale of sexual frustration and loneliness. Based off Elisa masculine attire, her surrounding’s and lust for an intimacy relationship. She is presented in this story as a weak character that focuses on her garden and has a tough relationship with her husband. Elisa’s clothing and garden portrays herself imposed walls preventing her from actually seeing what it’s like on the outside. She has isolated herself from her world so she does not have to be vulnerable to its experiences. To begin with, Elisa’s masculine attire shows she is unable to establish a true relationship between herself and another. She hides her feminine traits with manly apparel. The story goes …show more content…

Steinbeck demonstrates the conflict in their relationship by stating “a time of quiet and waiting” this conflict shows Elisa waiting for a positive change in how her husband treats her. The imagery in the story goes as far as Hence, fog, and rain which are compared to Elisa and Henry relationship. Elisa continues to hide her emotions husband she will not be able to change her position in her life or relationship, but will continue to be locked in with a man who does not show interest in her. She feels she cannot communicate with her husband or even herself. On observing her flowers Henry gives a horrible response by saying “I wish you’d work out in the orchard and raise some apples that big”. Henry does not understand his wife Elisa which leads her to encounter with the tinker. After meeting with the tinker he gives her a red flower pot which symbolizes her inner self and starts to give her hope about herself. Towards the end of the story Elisa now has hope for her marriage and starts to prepare for a more fulfilling life. To sum up, chrysanthemums symbolizes Elisa role as a women. Throughout the story she was characterized as a weak character she is a lonely and isolated women. The chrysanthemum did create a distraction from her loneliness and isolation mainly because the fence around her. Elisa felt frustrated with her life because her relationship with Henry is

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