Gets dressed up and admires herself in the mirror
In John Steinbeck's "The Chrysanthemums," the stranger's visit saddens Elisa because he dismisses her chrysanthemums, the flowers she takes pride in, as mere objects of commerce rather than appreciating their beauty and her passion for gardening. His lack of genuine interest and understanding of her talents makes Elisa feel undervalued and invisible. This encounter deepens her sense of isolation and longing for connection, highlighting her unfulfilled desires.
After the stranger leaves, Elisa returns to her garden, feeling a mix of emotions. She reflects on their conversation and the fleeting connection they shared, which brings her a sense of longing and desire for more. Elisa tends to her flowers, contemplating her own life and the limitations she feels, ultimately finding solace in her gardening. However, the encounter leaves her with a lingering sense of unfulfilled dreams and aspirations.
In John Steinbeck's "The Chrysanthemums," the interactions between Elisa and the strangers differ significantly from her interaction with Henry. With Henry, Elisa feels a sense of companionship but also a stifling of her individuality, as he often dismisses her passions. In contrast, the stranger initially engages with her enthusiasm for gardening, flattering her expertise, which momentarily ignites her spirit. However, this interaction ultimately leaves her feeling disillusioned and unfulfilled when he exploits her vulnerability without genuine appreciation for her identity or work.
He wants to encourage Elisa to think kindly of him so she will give him some money.
In "The Chrysanthemums," Elisa's interactions with Henry reveal a sense of frustration and confinement; she engages with him in a practical, yet emotionally distant manner, showcasing her disappointment in their mundane life and his lack of understanding of her passions. In contrast, her interaction with the traveling repairman is more vibrant and animated, as she shares her love for gardening and feels a spark of attraction and recognition in his presence. This contrast highlights Elisa's yearning for connection and appreciation, which she finds fleetingly with the repairman but is ultimately absent in her relationship with Henry.
Fix her pots and pans
He wants to encourage Elisa to think kindly of him so she will give him some money.
Elisa's character in "The Chrysanthemums" by John Steinbeck is closely linked to the chrysanthemums in terms of both being stifled and unfulfilled. Just as the chrysanthemums are confined to a small garden and lack a purpose beyond decoration, Elisa feels limited in her life and unappreciated for her potential. Both Elisa and the chrysanthemums represent unfulfilled potential and a longing for freedom and fulfillment.
because he kept nagging her about letting him do some work for her so he could get some money to get his dinner.
In the story “The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck, the chrysanthemums symbolize Elisa’s confidence and her feminist side.
In "The Chrysanthemums," Elisa and the chrysanthemums share a deep connection, as both are vibrant and full of potential yet constrained by their environments. Elisa, like the flowers, exhibits strength and beauty, but she feels stifled by her domestic life and societal expectations. Both the chrysanthemums and Elisa yearn for recognition and freedom, symbolizing the struggle for self-expression and fulfillment. Their eventual neglect reflects the broader themes of isolation and unfulfilled desires.
She shows that she has begun to trust when she opens up conversationally about her flowers, and also physically, when she takes off her hat, draws out her hair, and invites him beyond the fence.
After the stranger leaves, Elisa returns to her garden, feeling a mix of emotions. She reflects on their conversation and the fleeting connection they shared, which brings her a sense of longing and desire for more. Elisa tends to her flowers, contemplating her own life and the limitations she feels, ultimately finding solace in her gardening. However, the encounter leaves her with a lingering sense of unfulfilled dreams and aspirations.
The stranger seems more confident about invading her space while Henry respectfully stays outside the garden.
In "The Chrysanthemums" Elisa is heading into town for dinner when she spies a speck in the road. She believes that the speck is actually her bunch of chrysanthemums.
The stranger seems more confident about invading her space while Henry respectfully stays outside the garden.
The stranger is more direct and assertive in his approach to Elisa in the garden, asking for work and engaging in conversation about her prized chrysanthemums. In contrast, Henry's interactions with Elisa in the garden are more casual and routine, focused on everyday matters rather than probing deeper into her thoughts and emotions. Additionally, the stranger's interest in Elisa's garden and flowers shows a different level of appreciation and curiosity compared to Henry's more perfunctory observations.