Symbolism in John Steinbeck's "The Chrysanthemums" In the short story, "The Chrysanthemums," Steinbeck effectively uses symbols to help the reader understand the story's plot and obtain insight into characters' thoughts and feelings, primarily Elisa. As the story's main character, Elisa is a lonely thirty-five-year-old woman, who serves as the channel in which most of these symbols are used. Elisa feels neglected by her husband, Henry, who is always working cattle on their foothill ranch. He …showed first 75 words of 596 total…

…showed last 75 words of 596 total…like an old woman." (p.253). Elisa is now not only stripped of all confidence, but is most likely more emotionally troubled than in the beginning of the story. Steinbeck's use of symbolism in this story plays an integral role in the readers' understanding of the theme. Symbols are skillfully placed throughout the plot to help expound Elisa's feelings, and her innermost fears and desires. They also establish the chrysanthemums as a direct extension of Elisa