2. Examine a character who is unaware of his or her surroundings, proving to have a false sense of reality in the work.
This character may possess a set of beliefs that contributes to his or her ignorance, and the reader may sense this
before the character. This character may or may not eventually gain a sense of reality at some point in the work.
Select a character who fits this description, and examine the causes of his or her false sense of reality, and why this is
significant in the work as a whole.
• Remember to choose one character who has a disconnect with reality
• Think about specific examples of characterization relating to this character’s shortcomings
• Explain why this character’s shortcomings are important to the work
Literary Analysis Essay Prompts Name___________________________________
For your final assessment of this work of literature, you will write a literary analysis essay by developing an original thesis
statement responding to the one of the following prompts. Don’t over analyze these prompts. They are meant to help
guide your thinking, not define it. Remember, you are writing literary analysis, not prompt analysis.
1. Discuss the idea of dreams vs. reality in relation to a specific character.
2. How does the setting enhance the theme?
3. How is the time period in which the work is set related to the development of a specific character?
4. What are the effects of social class in the work?
5. Discuss the use of humor or satire in relation to a theme.
6. How does the author use a literary device to contribute to the mood of a work?
7. What impact does point of view (narration) have on the work as a whole?
8. What is the role of youth or children in the work, and what is the relation to theme?
9. What impact does a character’s relationship to the past have on the overall work?
10. Discuss the use of one character’s power over another, and how it enhances the theme.
11. What question or dilemma is the work trying to solve?
12. Show how symbolism contributes to an overall theme.
13. Analyze how the author uses a literary element to discuss a social issue.
14. What is the single most important event in the novel, and why?
15. Discuss the effects of conflict on the mental state of a character.
16. How is the struggle for power or dominance examined in the work?
17. How does a parent/child conflict impact theme?
18. Examine the role of loyalty in the work, and its effect on a character.
19. What role does justice or fairness play in the work?
20. How does the overall moral or ethical dilemma contribute to conflict?
21. Examine the significance of a motif in the work.
22. Discuss fear or suspense and its effect on the overall work.
23. How does a character change over the course of the work?
24. Examine the use of irony and how it creates meaning in the work.
25. How does the author use dialogue to characterize?
26. Analyze why an author uses a static character in the work.
27. Examine the use of time in relation to a theme.
28. Analyze why a certain character defines the role of tragic hero.
29. Discuss the use of trust or faith in the work, and it’s overall impact on a character.
30. Analyze a character’s actions in the work in relation to his or her downfall.
© Noelle Franzen 2017
“The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck
In the short story, "The Chrysanthemums" by John Steinbeck, the character Elisa Allen demonstrates a false sense of reality throughout the story. Elisa is a married woman living in a rural setting who appears to be content with her life. However, it becomes evident that she is disconnected from her surroundings and possesses a set of beliefs that contribute to her ignorance.
One example of Elisa's false sense of reality is her belief that her life is fulfilling. She takes great pride in her garden and her ability to grow beautiful chrysanthemums. She sees her garden as a reflection of herself and her capabilities. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that Elisa's passion for her garden is a way for her to escape the reality of her lonely and unsatisfying marriage. Despite her efforts to make her garden beautiful, Elisa's husband does not appreciate or understand her love for it. This disconnect between Elisa's perception of her life and the reality of her situation is significant in the overall work because it highlights the theme of loneliness and the desperate need for connection.
Another example of Elisa's false sense of reality is her encounter with the stranger, the tinker. When the tinker shows interest in her chrysanthemums, Elisa becomes excited and eagerly shares her knowledge and passion with him. She is flattered by his interest and hopes that he recognizes her talent. However, the tinker only sees the chrysanthemums as a means to make money, completely disregarding Elisa's emotional attachment to them. This interaction shatters Elisa's illusion of connection and forces her to confront the reality of her isolated existence.
Elisa's false sense of reality is significant in the work as a whole because it represents the larger theme of women's dissatisfaction and longing for fulfillment in a patriarchal society. Elisa's passion for her garden and her desire for recognition symbolize her yearning for a meaningful existence outside of her prescribed role as a wife and homemaker. However, her false sense of reality prevents her from recognizing the limitations placed upon her by society and the emptiness of her current life. By depicting Elisa's disconnect from reality, Steinbeck highlights the larger issue of women's lack of agency and the societal pressures that contribute to their discontent.
In conclusion, Elisa Allen in "The Chrysanthemums" exemplifies a character with a false sense of reality. Her belief in the fulfillment of her life through her garden and her ignorance of her isolated existence contribute to her disconnect from her surroundings. This is significant in the work as a whole because it explores themes of loneliness, dissatisfaction, and the societal limitations placed upon women. Through Elisa's characterization, Steinbeck sheds light on the larger issue of female identity in a patriarchal society.