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 John Steinbeck's short story "The Chrysanthemums," Elisa Allen, the protagonist, utters the phrase, "That's a bright direction, there's a glowing there," as the story comes to a close. This enigmatic statement captures the essence of Elisa's transformation throughout the story and conveys her longing for a fulfilling life outside the restricted boundaries of her role as a woman in a patriarchal society. By examining the narrative and several key moments, we can unpack the significance of Elisa's words and understand the hope and yearning behind them.
Elisa, a skilled gardener, represents the stifled potential and unfulfilled desires of countless women of her time. Restricted to the confines of her domestic role, she devotes her energy and passion to tending her chrysanthemums, which serve as a symbol of her artistic creativity and femininity. However, her talent remains unappreciated by both her husband Henry and society at large. It is within this context that Elisa's utterance takes on its full meaning.
The phrase "That's a bright direction" could be interpreted as Elisa recognizing the possibility of a different life, one where her talents and passions would be valued. Throughout the story, she yearns for a connection with the outside world, a yearning that is sparked by her encounter with the tinker. The tinker, a traveling handyman, offers Elisa an opportunity to escape her mundane existence, sparking her curiosity and awakening a desire for something more. Although her hopes are ultimately dashed when the tinker dismisses her cherished chrysanthemum plants, she clings to the flicker of possibility that he represents.
Elisa's use of the term "glowing" suggests the allure and vibrant energy that she sees beyond the confines of her stagnant life. The glow may symbolize her own inner potential, waiting to be unleashed and nurtured. It also represents the vitality and fulfillment experienced by those who follow their dreams and passion. Elisa recognizes the existence of a brighter future, one that she imagines is within her reach. However, her whisper implies a hesitance to fully embrace this vibrant direction due to the realities of her societal and marital constraints.
Throughout the story, Elisa manifests signs of frustration and discontent. Her perceived aloofness towards her husband, Henry, and her disdain for her mundane routine serve as indications of her untapped potential and aspirations. When Henry suggests they go out for dinner after their encounter with the tinker, Elisa abruptly denies his offer, as if realizing that such a simple act cannot fulfill her growing hunger for something more. The final moments of the story, where Elisa observes the trail of the tinker's wagon disappearing on the road toward that "bright direction," signifies her acknowledgment of the possibility of a different life.
In conclusion, Elisa's whispered words in the final moments of "The Chrysanthemums" reflect her yearning for self-actualization and a life beyond societal limitations. The phrase "That's a bright direction, there's a glowing there" captures Elisa's recognition of the potential she perceives outside her confined existence and her desire to pursue a more fulfilling life. While she may hesitate to wholeheartedly embrace this opportunity, her whispered revelation indicates an acceptance of this potential and the glimmer of hope it brings. Through Elisa's internal transformation, Steinbeck underscores the plight of women in a patriarchal society and invites readers to contemplate the timeless struggles for identity and fulfillment.