The Chrysanthemums Literary Analysis

Living the life as a farmer’s wife, in a secluded little country town can be lonely. In the early 1900’s, farm families do not go into town every day. Therefore, they do not have much interaction with the public. Hence, Henry and Elisa Allen spend the majority of their time tending to the farm. In the John Steinbeck story, The Chrysanthemums, he tells of a lonely, hardworking farm wife, who is seeking attention, and wonders what life could be like outside of the valley, but decides to settle for the country life she currently lives. To begin, Henry and Elisa live in Salinas Valley, a cold and dreary little town, which will make anyone, feel lonely. The Allen family is secluded from the rest of the world by the winters “high gray-funnel fog”, (281) and “On every side it sat like a lid on the mountains and made of the great valley a closed pot” (281). This is exactly what is happening to Elisa, a hardworking, farm’s wife, who is awfully lonely. The couple resides in an isolated “farm house with red geraniums close-banked around it as high as the windows” (282). Also, the yard is full of flower gardens, where Elisa spends the majority of her time. Although, Henry is home the majority of the time, he spends his days in the fields and orchards, or at the barns. Therefore, Elisa spends the majority of her time alone, tending to the domestic chores and takes care of the gardens. In the light of things, Elisa loves to be in her gardens, taking care of
She is definitely looking for ways to feel significant, and treasured. Elisa is, yet again, feeling isolated and depressed. Throughout the day, she felt wanted and special by a complete stranger. Being overcome by a feeling she rarely experiences, Elisa imagined impure thoughts, but was able to stop herself from doing the unthinkable. Therefore, she will continue to live the lonely, unhappy life of a farm