The Chrysanthemums

Symbolism in “The Chrysanthemums” (The Chrysanthemums By John Steinbeck) John Steinbeck gives a different type of symbolism in “The Chrysanthemums.” Many symbols appear, giving simple meanings and even foreshadowing the story to limited degree. Elisa seems to be content with her garden caring only for the welfare of her plants, with a special regard for the chrysanthemums. “Behind her stood the neat white farm house with red geraniums close-banked around it as high as the …showed first 75 words of 383 total…

…showed last 75 words of 383 total…ahead on the road Elisa saw a dark speck. She knew”. When Elisa discovers her babies were tossed away as so much trash she realizes her misjudgment and inwardly collapses. “ She was crying weakly—like an old woman”. “The Chrysanthemums” uses many symbols to reveal Elisa’s naivete and purity. It also uses the same methods to expose the tinker’s enterprise through dishonesty. Elisa never saw the truth until it broke her down, utterly.