During the 1930’s in the Salinas Valley times were simpler. Men would cut the hay, plow the orchards, maintain equipment, and make sure everything went accordingly. Women would take care of the children, clean the house and prepare supper, as they were the glue to the household. This world of separate spheres did not agree with some women, especially Elisa Allen. Throughout John Steinbeck’s “The Chrysanthemums,” Elisa Allen was on the ting of masculinity as the presence of fulfilling a man’s role and duties became Elisa’s passion. Steinbeck demonstrates this in many ways from masculine imagery and her challenging of traditional roles between genders, even to the miniscule aspects such as her eagerness within the story. 

Throughout the story, masculine imagery is consistently used to describe Elisa. Within the first few paragraphs, Steinbeck eludes to Elisa’s job as labor intensive, consisting of everlasting hours working in the sun. He also describes how she has developed a “blocked and heavy figure” from all the labor and hard work. Not only does she have the stature of a man, but she also possesses the facial structure of one as her face was described as “lean and strong” (1). Steinbeck then goes on to mention that her face is “handsome,” usually a trait associated with a man (1). Another instance in which her masculinity is shown is when she removes her glove and begins to dig in the new chrysanthemum sprouts. As she begins to dig, her “terrier fingers” destroy any pests within the soil (1). By using the word “terrier,” Steinbeck concludes that she has exceptionally rugged and strong hands from digging. The usage of rugged and strong hands is also another trait associated with a man, furthering her masculinity. 

Not only does Elisa have a passion and respect for her job, she also outwardly expresses that same respect towards others with similar masculine traits within their jobs. Given the tinker’s broad stature, “grey beard,” and “worn suit” from long days of work, Elisa quickly develops a jealous yet interested attitude towards his manly lifestyle on the road and working with his bare hands. As the tinker begins to tell her about the women down the road in need of chrysanthemums, she “ran excitedly” towards the flowers. Steinbeck describes how she “cried” out instructions to the tinker on how to properly transplant and take care of them (4). Elisa’s display of urgency and eagerness shows how she truly values the tinker’s approval, not because of his character, but because of his masculinity and the lifestyle in which he lives. Elisa also displays her jealousy towards the man’s lifestyle as she comments that she “wished women could do such things” and partake in an adventurous lifestyle as his (5). Not only does Elisa’s blatant eagerness display her yearning for the tinker’s way of living, but also, her subtle comments on how women are restricted from taking on masculine roles, such as a tinker. 

Throughout the story, it is illustrated that Elisa is a women bound by society, yet time and time again she challenges the gender roles. She outwardly challenges the gender roles through her masculine description and body physique. Coinciding with Elisa’s evident masculine stature, it is clear that her manual intensive labor has an effect on her body. Elisa assumes this kind of work associated with a man and takes pride in it. Elisa also yearns for more agency as she watches her husband negotiate business deals, hoping one day to be a part of them. Although her skills of gardening go far beyond just flowers, she is still forced to be limited within society’s parameters, solely maintaining chrysanthemums. Elisa contests these roles as she takes interest in these events such as business negotiations, harvesting and working long hours such as other men working in the fields. Although Elisa does challenge these gender roles, she also has moments of nuance where she gains touch with her feminine side. Not being able to provide a family with children and creating separate spheres of domesticity, Elisa finds herself connecting with her feminine side as she adopts the role of mother with the chrysanthemums. Elisa’s maternal instincts take over as she protects and nurtures the flowers as any mother would a child.  Such events also occur as she regains a feminine aesthetic as she bathes for dinner and scrubs herself until “her skin was scratched red.” After this display, she slips on a dress, ultimately representing the “symbol of her prettiness” (6). These moments are when she feels in touch with her feminine side as she beautifies herself and rids her body of the “earth” that paints her face with dirt during the day. These moments are in fact short lived as Henry pays her the compliment of looking “strong and happy” after her efforts (6). After all her hard work to beautify herself and putting on her finest clothing she yet again finds herself feeling more masculine and drifting back to her comfort zone, being identified as strong. 

Instead of becoming a woman representing the 1930s, passive and submissive to society’s ideals, Elisa branches off and assumes the role more orientated towards a male. In doing so, Elisa finds a strong passion and grounds to be proud. Steinbeck’s sense of masculine imagery, display of eagerness within Elisa and her ability to challenge gender roles shows Elisa’s character as being representative of masculinity. While Elisa embraces her role as strong and confident, Steinbeck still illustrates how as a woman she desires to also be seen as pretty within a male’s gaze. 