Symbolism- The Chrysanthemums

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if Elisa was to leave the valley, like the Chrysanthemums, she would be dumped out on the "road of life"
The chrysanthemums are the most powerful symbol in the story. Not only do the flowers represent motherhood for Elisa, they also represent her womanhood. Elisa isn't described as being a very feminine woman. Steinbeck instead uses the word "strong" to describe her. All of her surroundings such as the house and the valley are also described as being very stark. The only colorful thing in the story are the flowers. It is obvious that the symbolism of the flowers is encompassing of Elisa's whole livelihood: her own mother's "gardening hands," the children she never had, and the creativity that so greatly contrast her surroundings.
John Steinbeck's "The Chrysanthemums" is filled with symbolism. As the story unfolds Elisa is described to us as a very strong woman. By this we can determine that she is a very hard worker and not as femanin as most women. The title of the story is a ...

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