interpreting: At the end of “The Chrysanthemums,” Elisa whispers, “That’s a bright direction, There’s a glowing there.” Write an essay explaining what you think Elisa means by those words. Support your explanation using references from the story.
In the short story "The Chrysanthemums" by John Steinbeck, the character Elisa Allen, a passionate and talented gardener, whispers to herself, "That's a bright direction. There's a glowing there." These words hold deep significance, reflecting Elisa's inner longing for personal growth, fulfillment, and a sense of freedom that she desires beyond her confined life. Through the use of symbolism, thematic elements, and character development, this essay will explore the meaning behind Elisa's cryptic whispers and shed light on her yearning for a brighter future.
Steinbeck employs various symbolic elements throughout the story to convey Elisa's emotions and desires. One such symbol is the chrysanthemums themselves. Elisa's skill in growing and tending to the chrysanthemums represents her longing for self-expression and creativity. When the tinker approaches Elisa, he remarks on the vibrant beauty of her flowers, stating, "You can raise little plants for yourself and give them to your friends, but you can't do that with apples or beans." Elisa's ability to nurture the chrysanthemums is an outlet for her artistic nature, as well as a reflection of her suppressed potential.
Furthermore, the fence that surrounds Elisa's garden acts as another symbol of confinement. The fence not only protects the flowers from outside threats but also serves as a barrier – physically and metaphorically – separating Elisa from the outside world. In the story, Elisa makes several attempts to cross this symbolic boundary, yearning for a life beyond the confines of her home and garden.
Elisa's whispers reveal her yearning to break away from her monotonous life and explore new horizons. When she encounters the tinker, a representative of the outside world, she is instantly captivated by his freedom and adventurous lifestyle. Elisa revels in the idea of her chrysanthemums reaching places beyond her garden, symbolizing her own desire to escape her limited existence.
Additionally, the tinker's conversation about the magnificent world he travels through further fuels Elisa's longing for a brighter future. When the tinker presents Elisa with the possibility of viewing the fights in nearby Salinas, Elisa's eyes brighten, and she impulsively offers him some canned fruit and the promise of more work. This exchange demonstrates her hunger for experiences beyond her sheltered life.
Furthermore, Elisa's hope for change is apparent when she dresses up in her nicest clothes and prepares herself for an outing with her husband. She is eager to immerse herself in the world outside of her isolated routine. However, her dreams are crushed when her husband dismisses her desires and takes her to a casual dinner instead. This disappointment propels Elisa's whispers, as she reflects on the missed opportunity for growth and self-discovery.
In conclusion, Elisa's whispered words, "That's a bright direction. There's a glowing there," encompass her longing for a life beyond her garden, with all its limitations and restrictions. Through the symbolism of the chrysanthemums and the fence, as well as Elisa's interactions with the tinker, Steinbeck masterfully demonstrates her yearning for personal growth and freedom. Elisa's whispers serve as a reminder of the unfulfilled potential within her and her desire to explore the wider world beyond her confined existence.