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 John Steinbeck's "The Chrysanthemums," the character of Elisa Allen embodies a false sense of reality, maintaining a disconnect with the world around her. Elisa's false sense of reality stems from her own limiting beliefs and societal expectations, which ultimately prevent her from achieving true fulfillment. This is significant in the work as a whole because it explores themes of gender roles, identity, and the desire for change.
Elisa's false sense of reality is caused by the set of beliefs she holds about herself and her role in the world. She sees herself solely as a woman and a wife, limited by societal expectations of what women can and cannot do. This belief system leads her to isolate herself from the outside world and restrict her own potential. When the tinker arrives and shows an interest in her chrysanthemums, Elisa's excitement at connecting with someone who sees and appreciates her talent is short-lived. The tinker's words reinforce her limited role as a woman, as he dismisses her ability to do anything beyond caring for her flowers.
Furthermore, Elisa's false sense of reality is reinforced by the society and culture in which she lives. The story is set in a time period where traditional gender roles are deeply ingrained, and women are expected to be confined to domestic tasks. Elisa's longing for something more stems from her recognition of this societal limitation, but she ultimately succumbs to the false reality perpetuated by these expectations.
Elisa's shortcomings are important to the work as a whole because they highlight the inherent limitations of gender roles and societal expectations. Steinbeck explores the theme of the struggle for personal fulfillment and the desire for change, particularly within the context of gender. Elisa's lack of awareness and her false sense of reality ultimately prevent her from breaking free from these limitations and achieving the growth and fulfillment she desires.
By examining Elisa's disconnect with reality, Steinbeck critiques the restrictive nature of societal roles and highlights the importance of self-awareness and self-actualization. Elisa's journey serves as a cautionary tale, urging readers to question the limitations imposed upon them by society and to strive for authenticity and fulfillment. Overall, Elisa's character serves as a vehicle for exploring deeper themes and highlighting the consequences of a false sense of reality in a society that restricts individual growth and fulfillment.