1. What are the main events and what impact do each of them have on the main characters' evolution?
2. What details of the setting are most important to the theme and author's purpose?
3. How does the setting help set the tone of the literary work?
4. How does the reader get to know the characters?
Answer all of these four questions in detail, about the story "The Chrysanthemums" by John Steinbeck.
1. In "The Chrysanthemums," the main events revolve around Elisa Allen, a woman living a stifling and unfulfilling life on a ranch with her husband. The story begins with Elisa tending to her beloved chrysanthemums, which symbolize her need for creative and emotional expression. When a tinker arrives looking for work, Elisa becomes intrigued by his way of life and finds a connection with him through his interest in her flowers. However, she is ultimately disappointed when she realizes he does not share her passion. This realization causes Elisa to confront the limitations of her existence and leads to a moment of introspection and self-discovery. The impact of these events on Elisa's evolution is profound, as she starts to question her place in the world and the possibilities for her future.
2. The setting of "The Chrysanthemums," a remote ranch in the Salinas Valley of California, is crucial to the theme of confinement and longing for escape. The isolation of the ranch mirrors Elisa's own feelings of being trapped in her constrained life and limited opportunities for personal growth. The author's purpose in highlighting this setting is to emphasize the contrast between the natural beauty of the landscape and Elisa's emotional imprisonment within it.
3. The setting helps set the tone of the literary work by creating a sense of quiet desperation and longing. The vast expanses of the ranch and the stark beauty of the surrounding countryside create a backdrop of loneliness and isolation, which mirrors Elisa's internal struggles. The setting also symbolizes the limitations that Elisa faces in her life, highlighting the theme of confinement and the desire for freedom.
4. The reader gets to know the characters in "The Chrysanthemums" through their dialogue, actions, and interactions with each other. Through Elisa's conversations with her husband and the tinker, the reader gains insight into her thoughts and feelings. Elisa's reactions to the events that unfold and her internal monologue reveal her innermost desires and frustrations. Similarly, the tinker's words and behavior provide clues to his character and motivations. By observing the characters in different situations and contexts, the reader is able to piece together a deeper understanding of their personalities and how they are influenced by the events of the story.