According to Norman Holland, a story deals with the author, the author's relationship to his work or what he creates. In Holland's opinion texts contain autobiographical elements, or are totally autobiographical. In the case of The Chrysanthemums this is not true, although there are at least some biographical elements in the story.
Elisa Allen, the main character, has been suggested to be Steinbeck's second wife Carol, because of the description of her outward appearance (bulky figure, strong, energetic, ...). Additionally, the Steinbecks, like the Allens in the story, had no children at the time the story was written. Owing to the fact that these elements are not significant to the story itself, they are neglected in our interpretation.
However, the short story 'The Chrysanthemums' does not tie the reader down to a certain interpretation. A psychoanalytical approach appears as practicable as a feminist or a phenomenological one.
The central theme in the story is Elisa's frustration. She is the main character, the reader's attention is focused on her throughout the story. In our analysis the reasons for her development as well as the source of her frustration, the different symbolisms and metaphors will be discussed from several perspectives.
In the phenomenological approach we can see to what extent the reader influences the text - an explanation for the feminist and psychological approaches following on. In the feminist approach we will mostly focus on Elisa's character as her behavior gives indications of her frustration: Elisa is forced to play a role, which is determined by her gender. This role strongly influences her sense of identity and her behavior; moreover, it gives rise to her conflict and frustration. The psychoanalytic approach also concentrates on Elisa, for she is the main character and the other characters are closely connected with her. And it is the three of them that form the reader's psychological background.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Approaches
3. Analysis
3. 1. Elisa - part I
3. 2. Elisa and Henry
3. 3. Elisa and the pot mender
3. 4. Elisa - part II
4. Symbols
5. Conclusion
6. Bibliography
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this seminar paper is to analyze John Steinbeck’s short story "The Chrysanthemums" through a multifaceted critical lens. By integrating feminist, phenomenological, and psychoanalytic approaches, the authors aim to explore the internal frustration of the main character, Elisa Allen, and identify the underlying psychological and social constraints that shape her identity and behavior within a male-dominated environment.
- Feminist interpretation of female identity and social roles.
- Psychoanalytic examination of character development and motivation.
- Phenomenological analysis of reader-text interaction and perspective.
- Symbolic exploration of nature, domestic space, and gender dynamics.
- Analysis of marital communication and structural isolation.
Excerpt from the Book
3. 1. Elisa - part I
Already at the beginning the description of the geographical setting and the weather is symbolic. The "gray-flannel fog", which "closed off the Salinas Valley from the sky and from all the rest of the world" (203) indicates a claustrophobic atmosphere. The images used for the description of the valley stand in connection with the household environment and give a hint at the world Elisa inhabits: the valley is like a "closed pot", the "gray-flannel" fog is like a "lid" (203), which gives the impression of sealing the valley. If we consider the valley as a symbol for Elisa's inner world, we conclude that she is locked up in isolation. The descriptions also refer to a housewife's activities: "bathe", "scrub" and "flame" (203). With this description of isolation together with the 'household symbolism' one can easily imagine the loneliness and the longing for freedom of a person living in this world.
This can also be interpreted psychoanalytically, for the description of the outer world stands for her inner world, and hers is chaotic and confusing. It is as confusing as the description itself, for Steinbeck uses many oxymorons like "quiet and ... waiting", "cold and tender", "sharp and positive" or "fog and rain do not go together" (203). All these are proofs of the chaotic situation Elisa is in. Furthermore, the description of the river is another example of her inner feelings. The river is a symbol for Elisa's way out of her situation, her chance of escape from the valley and her isolation.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the scope of the study, defining the three core theoretical approaches—feminist, phenomenological, and psychoanalytic—used to interpret the text.
2. Approaches: Details the rationale behind using multiple literary criticism methods to "unfold" the text and engage the reader's active participation.
3. Analysis: Explores the character of Elisa Allen, her strained relationship with her husband Henry, her interaction with the pot mender, and the subsequent psychological shift she undergoes.
3. 1. Elisa - part I: Analyzes the symbolic setting of the Salinas Valley and the domestic environment as reflections of Elisa's internal state and isolation.
3. 2. Elisa and Henry: Examines the communication gap in the Allens' marriage and the underlying failure of their relationship.
3. 3. Elisa and the pot mender: Discusses the encounter with the stranger as a temporary, albeit unsuccessful, escape for Elisa and an exploration of her frustrated desires.
3. 4. Elisa - part II: Focuses on the aftermath of the encounter, analyzing Elisa's purification rituals and her eventual resignation to her circumstances.
4. Symbols: Provides a comprehensive list and analysis of the key symbols used by Steinbeck, including the river, the house, the flowers, and the fog.
5. Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings, confirming that Elisa remains a tragic, suppressed figure trapped within the patriarchal structure of the ranch.
6. Bibliography: Lists all primary and secondary sources cited within the research paper.
Keywords
John Steinbeck, The Chrysanthemums, Elisa Allen, Literary Criticism, Feminist Approach, Psychoanalysis, Phenomenology, Symbolism, Gender Roles, Isolation, Domesticity, Characterization, Marital Frustration, Patriarchal Ideology, Narrative Structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this seminar paper?
This paper examines John Steinbeck’s "The Chrysanthemums" by applying feminist, phenomenological, and psychoanalytic theoretical frameworks to uncover the depth of the protagonist's emotional and social reality.
What are the central thematic fields discussed?
The core themes include female identity, social confinement, marital communication barriers, the desire for creative expression, and the impact of patriarchal structures on the individual.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to understand the sources of Elisa Allen's frustration and how Steinbeck uses literary strategy to guide the reader through an interpretation of her unvoiced emotions.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The authors use an integrative literary approach, drawing on Wolfgang Iser's reader-response theory for phenomenology, as well as specific feminist and psychoanalytic concepts to decipher the narrative.
What topics are covered in the main section of the paper?
The main section details the characterization of Elisa, her interactions with Henry and the tinker, the symbolic significance of the setting, and the eventual resignation of the protagonist.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include gender roles, symbolism, psychoanalytic interpretation, patriarchal ideology, and narrative analysis.
How does the author analyze the symbol of the "closed pot"?
The paper interprets the valley and the fog as a "closed pot," symbolizing both the claustrophobic physical landscape and Elisa's locked-in, isolated internal psychological state.
What significance is attributed to the "chrysanthemums" themselves?
The chrysanthemums serve as an ambiguous central symbol, representing at various times Elisa's creativity, her sexuality, her desire for children, and her connection to her identity as a woman.
- Quote paper
- M. Tomberger (Author), K. Fend (Author), Ch. Dangl (Author), 1997, Feminist, phenomenological and psychoanalytic approaches to "The Chrysanthemums" by John Ernst Steinbeck, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/10448
