In John Steinbeck’s short story, “The Chrysanthemums,” he uses the flower to symbolize his main character’s thoughts and ideas. There are many examples of such symbolism in this work. Elisa Allen is a lonely woman who enjoys growing and nourishing her chrysanthemums. Since her husband is always working the cattle in their farm, she never has enough attention or any kind of affection. The result of this dispassionate marriage leads Steinbeck to describe …showed first 75 words of 709 total…

…showed last 75 words of 709 total…that she was crying weakly – like an old woman.” (Page 213) This means that she has lost her confidence and her self-esteem to keep her head high in the air. Symbols such as the flower are used sporadically throughout this story and gives the reader many meanings on what to think the last sentence means. This is why symbols are an essential part of a great story, because it gives the reader more to think about.