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Symbolism In The Chrysanthemums By John Steinbeck

271 Words2 Pages
In John Steinbeck's "The Chrysanthemums," the author employs symbolism to convey the theme of societal oppression of women. Elisa Allen, the protagonist, is a woman who is trapped in a patriarchal society where she is confined to traditional gender roles and denied opportunities for self-expression. The chrysanthemums in the story symbolize Elisa's own confinement and repression, as they are representative of the limited options available to her. The flowers are described as "strong" and "potent," but also "caged" and "fenced," which highlights the paradox of Elisa's situation. She is a strong and capable woman, yet she is trapped in a cage of societal expectations and limitations. Furthermore, the language used to describe Elisa and her surroundings
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