Steinbeck’s use of symbolism in “The Chrysanthemums” reveals his personal motivations for writing the story. His reasons for writing the story lead to the discussion concerning whether or not Elisa is restricted by society or herself. Although Steinbeck may have intended for one to perceive that Elisa is restricted by herself, if one analyzes the symbolism throughout the story, it can be concluded that Elisa is restricted by society and the notion that existed during the time period that claimed men were superior to women. Even if a woman put forth her greatest efforts during this time, it remained extremely difficult for her to enter a more challenging space in society. 

As the story opens the “high gray-flannel fog of winter [closes] off the Salinas Valley from the sky and from all the rest of the world” (Steinbeck 1). The bleak setting portrays Elisa’s inner desire for “significant work, adventure, and sexual expression” (Renner 306). Salinas Valley is closed off, which represents how Elisa is isolated from society. Elisa has many talents that remain unnoticed because of the divide she experiences. Elisa herself says that she has “a gift with things” (Steinbeck 2). She recognizes her numerous abilities, but remains a “victim of male domination and female disadvantage” (Renner 306). Although Elisa desires to “enter more challenging public spaces,” she is confined by the patriarchal beliefs of the time period (College 55). The enclosed setting of “The Chrysanthemums” displays how Elisa falls victim to the ideologies present during the time period. 

Another notable presence of symbolism in “The Chrysanthemums” includes Steinbeck’s selection of the name Elisa. Elisa is named after Queen Elizabeth who was commonly referred to as the Virgin Queen. Queen Elizabeth’s virginity was often “associated with sexual reticence and fear” (Renner 307). Some argue that this represents Elisa’s seemingly chosen path of “[securing] herself within a fortress of sexual reticence and self-withholding defensiveness” (Renner 306). Although Elisa is defensive, it is a mechanism she uses to protect herself from the society that refuses to recognize and allow her to express her talents. Elisa’s defensiveness comes from the resent she feels because of society’s beliefs that male dominance is legitimate. 

Steinbeck’s selection of the name Henry also holds great significance. The name Henry means “ruler of a home or enclosure” (Renner 307). Steinbeck’s decision to name Elisa’s husband Henry displays the imbalance of power in the couple’s relationship. Henry remains the ruler of Elisa and her ability to display her talents. If Henry did not confine Elisa to simple, household tasks and allowed her to display her greater abilities, she would be able to establish herself in society. Henry may restrict Elisa as a result of his disappointment in their childless marriage. Steinbeck’s first marriage to Carol Henning remained childless, and this upset him greatly. This frustration may have prompted Steinbeck to write “The Chrysanthemums”. His intentions were most likely not to create a feminist story but one that holds women accountable for their difficulties in becoming more prominent in society (Renner 306). 

Steinbeck describes Elisa as “lean and strong,” which develops her as independent and capable. Elisa appears “blocked and heavy” while wearing a “man’s black hat” and “heavy leather gloves” (Steinbeck 1). Elisa’s masculine and rough energy symbolize her plentiful capabilities that one during this time would only consider a man able to manage. Instead of being granted the ability to display her capabilities, Elisa must remain to “confined domestic spaces designed to protect [her] and [her] work” (College 55). The “protection” Elisa receives from men like her husband, Henry, results in her alienation from society and inability to demonstrate her talents. 

While Elisa is cutting down chrysanthemums in her garden, she sees men down by the tractor shed. Her face becomes “eager,” “mature,” and “handsome” (Steinbeck 1). Elisa’s work with her scissors suddenly becomes “over-eager” and “over-powerful,” causing the chrysanthemums to seem “too small and easy for her energy” (Steinbeck 1). Her sudden outburst of eagerness displays her desire for more in life. Elisa yearns for opportunity and a chance to prove herself to society. She remains a “domestic artist” who creates solely for “private enjoyment,” but Elisa desires to be “acknowledged in the larger public world” (College 56). Elisa remains confined within her set boundaries, but desires to display her art to society and gain recognition. 

The tinker is a crucial symbol in “The Chrysanthemums” who represents the struggle women faced during this time period to establish themselves in society. In the beginning of the encounter, Elisa remains resistant to the tinkers attempts at gaining her business. The tinker uses “exaggerated sadness” and a “whining undertone,” begging Elisa for something to fix (Steinbeck 3). Elisa remains firm in her denial of his services, until he mentions her chrysanthemums. Suddenly the “irritation and resistance [melt] from Elisa’s face,” and she dives into a detailed explanation of how to care for the chrysanthemums (Steinbeck 4). Elisa believes the tinker truly cares about the instructions for the care of the flowers. When Elisa and Henry are driving to dinner, Elisa sees the chrysanthemums thrown on the side of the road. The tinker’s selfish act of using Elisa displays the harsh reality women during the time period faced. Women were used for their domestic abilities and confined to only those responsibilities. Elisa’s efforts to share her chrysanthemums and gardening knowledge with others represents the efforts women made to establish themselves in society. 

A critical turning point in “The Chrysanthemums” for Elisa is the scene where she bathes. She “[tears] off her soiled clothes and [flings] them into the corner” which symbolizes the shedding of her masculinity (Steinbeck 6). Elisa is returning to her femininity and accentuating her role as a woman. When Elisa emerges from the bath, she “[tightens] her stomach and [throws] out her chest,” then dresses slowly, putting on her “newest underclothing,” “nicest stockings,” and “dress which was the symbol of her prettiness” (Steinbeck 6). Steinbeck specifically points out the symbolism in Elisa’s dress. This is a direct acknowledgment of Elisa “leaving her fence” and freeing herself from the notions of the time period that observed women negatively (College 61). 

Steinbeck utilizes symbolism in “The Chrysanthemums” to reveal his motivation for writing the story, most likely the disappointment from his childless first marriage to Carol Henning (Renner 306). This discouragement led him to create the character of Elisa, who remains childless and refuses Henry’s invitations to accompany him in a “procreative conjugal relationship” (Renner 310). Elisa does this not to confine herself but to free herself of the preconceived expectations women experienced during the time period. Elisa does not confine herself, but hopes to place herself in society and defy the notion of male superiority.
