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'Symbolism In John Steinbeck's Chrysanthemums'

542 Words3 Pages

John Steinbeck’s short story, “Chrysanthemums”, was written in 1938. The story tells of a woman’s struggle to find self respect and worth from her male counterpart within a very patriarchal society. Throughout the story symbols are constantly used and Steinbeck specifically chooses symbolism in order to express the inequality of women during that time. The use of chrysanthemums in Steinbeck’s story is to symbolize Elisa and her self worth. Like Elisa the chrysanthemums are confined to a restricted area where they are not for sale so others may enjoy its beauty. The chrysanthemums stay in the garden just for Elisa’s enjoyment. Elisa is seen the same way by being confined to her life on the farm and in her marriage, where she is

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