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.
“The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck
In the short story "The Chrysanthemums" by John Steinbeck, the character Elisa Allen is depicted as having a false sense of reality. Elisa’s limited worldview and belief in her own abilities contribute to her ignorance of the world around her. Throughout the story, the reader can sense Elisa’s naivety and the disconnect between her perception of reality and the actual circumstances she finds herself in. This disconnect is significant in the work as a whole because it highlights the theme of gender inequality and the limitations placed on women in society.
One example of Elisa’s false sense of reality is her belief that she can be successful in any endeavor. When the tinker visits her house, Elisa is immediately intrigued by his work and believes that she can also succeed in his line of business. She eagerly asks him questions and shows off her own knowledge of gardening, hoping to impress him. However, the tinker dismisses her and refuses to acknowledge her capabilities. This interaction highlights Elisa’s ignorance of the limitations placed on her as a woman. She has a false sense of her own abilities and believes that she can break free from the constraints of her gender.
Another example of Elisa’s false sense of reality is her belief that the world is a beautiful and nurturing place. Elisa takes great pride in her garden and sees it as representative of her own beauty and fertility. She tends to her chrysanthemum flowers with great care and affection, believing that they are a symbol of her own feminine power. However, when the tinker throws the chrysanthemum shoots on the road, Elisa’s illusions are shattered. She realizes that the world is not as nurturing and beautiful as she believed. This realization is significant because it represents the harsh reality of gender inequality and the limitations placed on women in society.
Elisa’s false sense of reality is important to the work as a whole because it symbolizes the struggles and limitations faced by women in the early 20th century. Steinbeck uses Elisa’s character to critique the societal expectations placed on women and the constraints of gender roles. Elisa’s ignorance and false beliefs are representative of the larger issue of women being denied opportunities and agency in a male-dominated world. By highlighting Elisa’s disconnect with reality, Steinbeck emphasizes the need for change and the importance of challenging societal norms and expectations.
In conclusion, Elisa Allen in "The Chrysanthemums" is characterized as having a false sense of reality. Her limited worldview and belief in her own abilities contribute to her ignorance and disconnect from the world around her. This false sense of reality is significant in the work as a whole because it highlights the theme of gender inequality and the limitations placed on women in society. Through Elisa’s character, Steinbeck critiques societal expectations and emphasizes the need for change.