Chrysanthemums, Everyday Use, the Story of an Hour, and Death of a Saleman

Marvin Herrera

Professor Moscowitz

ENC 1102

9 February 2016

The Chrysanthemums- John Steinbeck

Setting

In Steinbeck’s short story, “The Chrysanthemums.” takes place during a foggy wintry day in the Salinas Valley at Henry Allen’s ranch in California. The year isn’t expressed in the short story, however we can expect by the distribution date that it happens in the late 1920s or start of the 1930s. Additionally, how about we not overlook that when “The Chrysanthemums” was written, the Great Depression was slowing down, and women’s rights were turning into a noteworthy issue in the public eye.

Characterization

The protagonist is Elisa Allen. She’s a farmer’s wife, a marvelous plant specialist, and a really solid woman. Yet, at the same time, she doesn’t exactly appear to be content with her everyday life. The antagonist is the Tinker, his named isn’t stated in the story. He’s charming, mysterious, and intriguing; however, he’s sketchy, and shrewd, and he’s knows how to manipulate people to benefit his needs. If we examine the character of Elisa in the story, it demonstrates she’s a round character because she goes under a change from her involvement in the story. This change is that she may not trust outsiders/strangers. On the other hand, Tinker is a flat character because it established that he doesn’t go through a modification or a change.

Plot

In Salinas Valley, California during winter. The sun is not sparkling, and the thick fogs descends on the valley. On Henry Allen ‘s foothill ranch, Elisa Allen is working in her flower garden. Until, a mysterious wagon with a canvas top driven by a man shows up on her yard (exposition). An incorrectly spelled sign promotes the man’s way of work by fixing and handling pots and pans. They keep making small talks and causal conversation. He asked if she has any work for him to do because he’s starving. They talk about the chrysanthemums and the Tinker says that he has a client who needs to raise chrysanthemums. Elisa is energized, grabs a pot fills it with soil and she place the shoots on top of the pot(complication). She gave the Tinker some guidelines on how to take care of the chrysanthemums. Elisa finds two pans for him to fix. The Tinker finishes the job and Elisa pays him 50 cents. Soon after she watches the wagon trundle away, whispering to herself(Crisis). Elisa goes into her home takes a shower and puts on a dress. She lays her husband’s clothes on the bed while he’s taking a shower. Her husband is fond on Elisa’s appearance and her response is she’s strong. As they drive along the street toward Salinas, Elisa sees a dull spot on the side of the road and she can’t prevent herself from taking a gander at it, knowing it was the chrysanthemum the Tinker threw out(Climax). She decays and pulls her jacket neckline over her face with the goal that Henry can't see her crying(resolution).