John Steinbeck uses characterization to show that Elisa Allen is in a lonely marriage. Steinbeck description of the Allen’s marriage, “combined with their clumsy and reticent ways of speaking to one another, has led many critics to assume that their marriage is a source of sexual and psychological frustration, at least for Elisa” (Evans). The author writes as if suggesting Elisa Allen is unhappy and the only one who feels this way about their marriage. The phrase “their clumsy and reticent ways of speaking to one another” (Evans) concludes that Henry and Elisa Allen do not have a good enough relationship to tell each other how they feel. This also concludes that even in a secure place Elisa Allen is feeling pain. So going for her dream could be better or could be like an unhappy marriage. Steinbeck uses characterization to show that Henry Allen is in a bad marriage, but does not realize it. Steinbeck describes the character Henry Allen as, “quite pleased to be able to make a decent living” (Lewis). The author seems to be suggesting that Henry Allen is the only one happy in the relationship. “a decent living” and a bad marriage is not enough for someone to give up on their dream. The author seems to be exploring the idea that a decent living is enough to …show more content…
Steinbeck describes the attraction as, “Although Elisa would never consider an actual affair, when a Stanger appears at their farm offering to sharpen knives and mend pots, his singularity and unconventional appearance immediately arouse her interest” (Lewis). The author seems to be suggesting that Elisa Allen is attracted to the Stranger. The phrase “his singularity and unconventional appearance immediately arouse her interest” suggests that Elisa Allen believed the stranger’s way of life is good. The author seems to be exploring that Elisa Allen became attracted to the stranger’s way of life because she wants to be free like