“The Chrysanthemums”: An Early Depiction of Gender’s Role :: Literary Analysis, John Steinbeck

The traditional role of women in the American society has transformed as society has trended towards sexual equality. In the past women were expected to be submissive to the military manhood and were looked upon as homemakers preferably then providers. Modern day women enjoy the freedom of individuality and atomic number 18 considered as capable as men in many regards. sewer Steinbecks short story, The Chrysanthemums, portrays a char chars struggle with pass judgment her life and role as a female (459). Through the protagonist-female character, enzyme-linked-immunosorbent serologic assay Allen, and the symbolism of chrysanthemums, Steinbeck displays the gender roles that define past generations of womens lives in the join States. enzyme-linked-immunosorbent serologic assay Allen embodies the image of a simple woman eager to deal the confines of a gender defined role in society. Readers argon introduced to Elisa as a 35 year old, strong woman living with her husband, hydroge n, on a ranch in Salinas Valley (Steinbeck 460). Elisas masculinity is highlighted from the attire she is wearing to the strength in her hands. heat content affirms that Elisa is capable in her endeavors when he states, youve got a gift with things, in regards to her garden (Steinbeck 460). Even though Elisa is delighted at Henrys suggestion that she work in the woodlet, the idea does not depend to get a second thought (Steinbeck 460). The idea of a woman working in the orchard is dismissed on the premise that the orchard is not a womans place. In Elisas account with the man in the wagon, her sexuality exudes in her graphic report of picking off the flower buds and being under the stars, to the point that she around physically touches the man (Steinbeck 463). Her desire would go unsatisfied, as it would not be appropriate for her to act on her impulse. Elisa is searching for fulfillment in life but finds her role to be trivial. Intrigued by the idea of traveling, as the gentlema n in the wagon does, she states, It must be very nice. I wish women could do such things. She is shot down as the man replies, It aint the right kind of a life for a woman (Steinbeck 464). This conversation clearly depicts the prevalent inequality of the sexes. Furthermore, once the man leaves in the caravan Elisa cements her urge for something more, looking out at the horizon whispering, Thats a bright direction. Theres a glowing there (Steinbeck 464-465).