The Chrysanthemums: Elisa Allen Comes To Life

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“corduroy apron with four big pockets” (304). She wears a pair of “heavy leather gloves to protect her hands while she works” (304). Elisa has strong fingers(308). Her hair is “dark” and “pretty”(308).
Just as Steinbeck gives a physical description on Elisa’s appearance he also reveals her character and personality. Elisa’s industrious nature is symbolized by her “hard swept looking little house, with hand-polished windows and a clean mud mat on the front steps” (305). “Her terrier fingers destroyed” garden “pests before they could get started” (305). This tenacity shows the reader her hardworking disposition(305). Elisa’s loneliness is portrayed as she almost touches the repairman’s pants leg (309). Once Elisa cannot bring herself to touch the repairman she lowers her hand in frustration over her current situation (309). Elisa is a paradox. She says “I am strong? Yes, strong.” and proclaims her strength (311). Yet, the story ends with her “crying weakly- like an old ...

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