In John Steinbeck’s story “The Chrysanthemums” he consistently displays the value of humility and shows the negative effects of having pride in oneself. The chrysanthemums clearly show John Steinbeck’s view of the importance of maintaining a humble view of oneself. Steinbeck also displays how easily humility can be disregarded when pride is present within a person. He cleverly renders this message with the use of symbolism, conversation, and the overall tone of the story. The chrysanthemums presented in the story are very symbolic. Steinbeck’s use of the chrysanthemums acts as a possible gateway to a path of humility, or one which could lead to pride. Elisa’s desire to maintain top quality chrysanthemums show signs of her being both humble and prideful. Her willingness to work as a mere flower gardener shows someone who has accepted themselves in a modest fashion. Yet she desires more. Henry, her husband, comments towards the progress of her flower garden, saying, “You’ve got a strong new crop coming” (Steinbeck). This …show more content…
The chrysanthemums are mentioned in all three conversations in the story. During the first two conversations, there is casual admiration of Elisa’s chrysanthemums right before she becomes passionately involved. In each of those conversations she has the option to remain humble, yet she falls short of expressing the importance of her “planter’s hands.” Her passion for gardening is clearly stated in both conversations, yet she seeks work in other fields. Elisa also mentions her special hands when a possibility for some advancement seemed within reach. Which determines that (in her eyes) she desires something more substantial, rather than being a mere gardener. This is a sure sign that she would be willing to abandon the humble lifestyle of a gardener, for which she supposedly has a gift for, to acquire a life of more