Imagine yourself as Elisa, from “The Chrysanthemums,” and write an essay describing what your life is like 10 years after this story takes place. 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. Evaluating: Elisa’s character, in “The Chrysanthemums,” expresses a universal longing to reach beyond our circumstances—to be more and do more. Find a character in another story from this unit that shares Elisa’s longing. For each character, explain how the author conveys this universal longing and makes the reader empathize with the character. How are the two characters similar and different? With which character do you feel the strongest empathy, and why?
Title: Elisa's Bright Direction: A Glowing Future
Introduction:
"The Chrysanthemums" by John Steinbeck tells the story of Elisa Allen, a woman trapped in a mundane life on a farm. At the end of the story, Elisa whispers, "That's a bright direction, There's a glowing there," which hints at her hidden desire for a more fulfilling and liberated life. In this essay, I will interpret Elisa's words, drawing references from the story, to give a deeper understanding of her aspirations. Furthermore, I will explore another character from this unit who shares Elisa's universal longing, examining how the authors convey this longing and instill empathy in the readers.
Interpreting Elisa's Words:
Elisa's whispered words indicate her realization of the possibilities and potential that lay beyond her current circumstances. Throughout the story, Elisa's isolated life on the ranch becomes a symbol of her entrapment. When she encounters the tinker, he represents a glimpse into a different world, free from social constraints and limitations. The tinker's adventurous life, highlighted by his ability to travel from place to place, awakens a spark within Elisa. She begins to yearn for a more exciting and meaningful existence. The "bright direction" she refers to is the path towards personal growth and liberation, where she can explore new ideas and experiences. The "glowing" represents the potential for a brighter and more fulfilled future that she desires.
Evaluating Characters' Longing:
In "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin, Louise Mallard shares Elisa's longing for greater freedom and independence. Just like Elisa, Louise desperately seeks liberation from her mundane life. The news of her husband's death provides a catalyst for a range of emotions, including excitement and joy. The author conveys Louise's internal struggle and her longing for freedom through her inner thoughts. Chopin uses vivid and descriptive language to express Louise's newfound sense of self and the yearning to take control of her own destiny.
Similarly, both Elisa and Louise serve as representatives of the universal longing for personal growth. They desire to break free from societal constraints, challenge traditional gender roles, and pursue their own inner desires. However, there are some differences between the two characters. While Elisa's yearning is for a broader external world and experiences, Louise's longing is more focused on internal freedom and individualism. Elisa seeks adventure and fulfillment, while Louise seeks independence and self-assertion.
Empathy and Personal Connection:
Personally, I feel the strongest empathy towards Elisa, from "The Chrysanthemums." Steinbeck masterfully portrays Elisa's emotional journey, allowing the reader to empathize with her longing for a brighter future. His vivid descriptions of her frustration and desire to break free evoke a profound connection. Elisa's struggles reflect universal human emotions, making her relatable and inspiring. Her longing for personal growth resonates deeply with the readers, urging them to question their own aspirations and ambitions.
Conclusion:
Elisa's whispered words at the end of "The Chrysanthemums" reflect her desire for a bright and glowing future. Through her character, Steinbeck successfully highlights the universal longing for personal growth and liberation. Similarly, Louise Mallard from "The Story of an Hour" shares this longing and gives readers another perspective on the pursuit of freedom. While both characters yearn for change, their aspirations have distinct focuses. Elisa seeks external adventure, while Louise seeks internal independence. Personally, I feel a stronger connection to Elisa, as her emotional journey and struggle against societal norms resonate with my own desire for personal growth and fulfillment.