How Does Steinbeck Use Imagery In The Chrysanthemums

As the short story progresses, we see a recurring imagery of sunshine that seems to highlight Elisa mentally and physically. In the article, Timmerman states, “Organizational and Gendered Imagery in John Steinbeck's ‘The Chrysanthemums.’”, the author explains how organizational imagery occurs in two different moments of the story, as he writes, “The color yellow used throughout the paragraph accentuates the illusion of sunshine… It remains an illusionary world wrapped in fog” (Timmerman, 32). This line reveals that the sunshine that we as readers see at times of the short story, is just an illusion and the reality is the fog that sets the mood of the story and reflects Elisa. The imagery of the bright direction, shows that in this world there

However after the Tinker leaves, the light changes in the direction he is travelling towards revealing her yearning for mobility and freedom. Steinbeck’s technique to create the Tinker a pot mender was unique as it signifies that it seemed like as if he came to mend Elisa’s life giving her support such as love and freedom and getting rid of all the isolation and darkness from her life. But, in reality we see the darkness remain as she doesn’t enjoy being outside of the garden as the story ends, “She turned up her coat collar so he could not see that she was crying weakly…” (Steinbeck, 808). This ending is significant as it explains that there was no happy ending, instead, Elisa is still alone, where she doesn’t share with Henry that she is upset because she is still surprised that her flowers are neglected by Tinker, which truly neglects her. Instead of giving Elisa the happiness that she deserves, in contrast, he flirted with Elisa for his own benefit which was money, which makes the clear distinction that men work for financial stability not emotional stability like Elisa

As the Tinker departs from the ranch Elisa says, “Good-bye- good bye….”That’s a bright direction. There’s a glowing there” (Steinbeck, 806). This line clearly highlights that the light she sees in the setting is just an imagination that she wants to head into herself where she can enjoy the freedom and be appreciated as a woman unlike this setting that controls and limits her. This light is significant as it explains the differences to what her world looks like presently which darkness, loneliness, is yearning for love cold, pale where the other direction that people are part of is different and lighted. In other words, the Tinker equals freedom for Elisa which she desired to travel like every man does and enjoying being with males. Instead, as the Tinker leaves her hopes, and desires depart as well, until on her travel with Henry on the road and the image of light repeats with the path that the Tinker might have