our teacher asked us to do this: (the book we are using in this class is Troyka, Lynn Q. and Doug Hesse. Simon & Schuster Handbook for Writers (9th Edition)).
This would be on only 200 words. And then I should respond to two students in the class that I will copy and paste at end of this message, about 100 words each.
In your Unit 3 readings, you had the opportunity to read American author John Steinbeck’s short story, "The Chrysanthemums." You also read through two handouts: "Revision checklist for literature papers" and "Poetry Analysis Handout." In addition you must use quotes from the reading to back up your opinions. Use MLA in text citations https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/02/
Utilizing both handouts discuss critically 2 of the following questions:
1. Read the first two paragraphs carefully. In what way does the setting of the story foreshadow what follows?
2. Describe Elisa as a character. What kind of person is she?
3. We see Elisa talk to Henry at the beginning and again at the end of the story. What kind of relationship does she have with Henry? What is his view of her? Why is he so confused when she protests at being called "strong"?
4. Why does Steinbeck spend so much time describing Elisa’s clothes? How does her clothing change as the story progresses?
5. In what ways is the tinker a contrast to Elisa? What might he represent for her? Is he sincere, or is he just a con man? Are there any ways in which they are alike? (Note: Study their conversation carefully for clues.)
6. What is the purpose of including the dogs in the story?
7. What do the chrysanthemums symbolize in this story? Would you say that they are a universal symbol or a contextual symbol? What do they mean to Elisa? Are there other symbolic elements?
8. What are "planting hands"? Does the tinker understand her explanationof them?
9. After the tinker leaves, what does Elisa do, and why? Why do her actions and speeches confuse Henry?
10. Why does Elisa want to see a fight at the end of the story? Why does she begin to cry?"
One student say:
"3. We see Elisa talk to Henry at the beginning and again at the end of the story. What kind of relationship does she have with Henry? What is his view of her? Why is he so confused when she protests at being called “strong"?
Henry is the provider for the two of them. Although Elisa could handle herself in business deals and personal affairs, she does not because of her gender. Henry loves his wife, but views her as a traditional female. He does not understand that she does not embrace that gender role fully.. He does not realize that she has higher goals for herself than just being a housewife who tends to the garden, and actually has potential to do much more. She wants to so badly break the mold her life has, and explore beyond it. Henry does not know that she does not want to be considered “strong” like a man, but respected as a woman for her skill and intelligence while still remaining feminine and beautiful.
8. What are "planting hands"? Does the tinker understand her explanation of them?
Elisa has “planting hands”, which means that she has a natural gift for gardening. Not only is she knowledgeable about gardening, but she is able to connect with nature. For others, gardening might be difficult, but for her it flows naturally. I believe that the tinker understands her explanation, but does not care. He only wants to talk to her long enough, so that he can acquire work. The tinker’s approach with Elisa is similar to the sales pitch of a used car salesman. "
Another student said:
"#4. Why does Steinbeck spend so much time describing Elisa’s clothes? How does her clothing change as the story progresses?
In Steinbeck’s short story, "The Chrysanthemums," he uses Elisa’s clothes to represents how society viewed women in the 1930’s. Steinbeck’s over all description of what she was wearing as a gardening costume, because women weren’t taken seriously. First and foremost was the way the hat was covering Elisa’s eyes to blind her from any possible way for her to advance in society. Elisa also wears clod-hoppers, which are big, over sized boots that make clunky noises on the floor when walking. They are symbols of how man held women down and slowed them from being treated equally. The apron was a symbol of her position in life. It was merely to work and serve men and keep her tools close to her. The gloves only strengthen the belief that women were weak and needed extra protection to survive. Towards the end of the story, Elisa removes her soiled clothing and changes into her newest underclothing, stocking, and dress. All these items symbolize that men only wanted to view women as pretty and sexy. The coat is a crucial representation of the continued abuse women still endure today. Many women can only cover themselves while they cry helplessly as Elisa did till the end.
#5. Why does Elisa want to see a fight at the end of the story? Why does she begin to cry?
Elisa represents many women from all times in history. By wanting to see the fights, she symbolizes the desire women have to see what lies beyond their potential, yet won’t do anything about it. Elisa would love to fight her way past the suppressions, but she shies away for fear and lack of support. Elisa then cries because she realizes that it’s a tough world out there. Men literally bust their hands and faces at work. Some women aren’t ready to compete in such a market, but when she saw the chrysanthemums lying on the middle of the road, she knew she was taken for a fool. She wanted to look away but couldn’t. Then, she became angered and felt motivated to face the battles. She almost built enough courage but at the end, felt helpless once more."
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