Feminist in John Steinbeck's "The Chrysanthemums"



I always facinated by the story by John Steinbeck. From the Pearl to the Chrysanthemums.
From the first time I have read the Chrysanthemum story, I fell in love with the main character in the story that is Elisa. In this story, Steinbeck cleverly describing Elisa's character as the woman that is bravely expressing her innermost emotions and desires. There are many interpretation that we can understand from Elisa's characters.

1. Profundity in Simplicity

The insufficient outlets for her womanly affection are shown in her daily work and interaction with people she displays in the story, demonstrating her need for self-expression, for fulfillment in a life that seems inadequate in her point of view

2. An Opportunity for Self-Expression

The pivotal moment in the story where this need for self-recognition occurs is in Elisa's reaction to a travelling salesman, a peddler searching for business whose wanderings have led him to her farm. When he asks about her flowers, she sees an opportunity to demonstrate her area of expertise. She delves into an explanation of the delicate care they require, and it is only when he shows appreciation for her art that she displays some level of interest in his craft.

3. From Emotional Release to Extremism

Elisa’s interest takes on a new level, however, when she begins questioning the peddler on his lifestyle, and her interest in his gypsy career escalates into jealousy. The fact that such a way of life is thrilling to her is demonstrative of how much she has let her own life deteriorate into something she feels is unworthy of her ability, of her potential. She is dissatisfied; she feels that the daily work and toil of a farmer’s wife do not give her sufficient opportunity to display the depths of love, affection, and strength of which she is capable. Before he leaves, Elisa gives the peddler some chrysanthemum bulbs to pass on to one of his customers, and included in this gift is a part of her own self, an act of heroism in her own eyes.

4. The Final Inability to Find Beauty in Simplicity

At the end of "The Chrysanthemums", Elisa and her husband are driving into town for an evening out, and she sees the peddler pulled off to the side of the road. Her reaction is not for the welfare of the peddler, however; her last words in the story are directed at the welfare of her flowers. She thinks he pulled over to keep the bulbs safe, no other reason. She weeps, “weakly, like an old woman,” but tries to hide it. She is unable to balance what she perceives as strength, which is to hide weakness, and emotional release, which would be to share her thoughts and desires. In the end, she is as she was: unable to cope with this conflict of stoicism versus the need to express love, affection, and self-giving.