Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. In literature, we find symbols as a way to better understand a story. Symbols help us understand the story as a whole on a deeper level. In “The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck, symbols play a key role in understanding the story. John Steinbeck was born in 1902 in Salinas, California, the third of four siblings. He studied at Stanford University where he majored in English between 1919 and 1925. Although he devoted six years to the university, he never graduated. While beginning to write fiction, Steinbeck worked as a laboratory assistant and fruit picker to make ends meet (“The Chrysanthemums” 1). In “The Chrysanthemums,” Elisa Allen is a strong, independent woman who is unhappy and feels trapped in the current life she leads. The first major symbol is the chrysanthemums which are the pride and joy of Elisa Allen. The chrysanthemums represent her children even though she doesn't have any. She is tender and attentive to her chrysanthemums as a mother is to her children. Elisa cherishes flowers like a mother protecting her son or daughter. She goes so far as to surround her chrysanthemums with wire mesh (“Kassim” 1). During the day, it is relevant for Elisa to keep the premises clean. She also strives to keep the chrysanthemums clean and neat. “Her burrowing fingers destroy those pests before they can start,” meaning she cleans the area around her precious “babies.” As a mother protecting her child from an unknown force, she prevents nature from harming her precious flowers (“Kassim” 1). Elisa treats these flowers as her pride and joy, but they go unnoticed. She doesn't feel appreciated by her husband Henry Allen, who feels that she should use her as a... middle of paper...... she heads straight for what she knew which is the solitude. On the way to dinner, she sees the chrysanthemums that she so happily gave to the handyman in the hopes that he would use them. Even though they were neglected and thrown away as if they were useless, Elisa feels this feeling in her life. There is a direct correlation between Elisa and chrysanthemums which are both kept in pots. Elisa finds her hopes shattered and begins to cry like an old woman, a revelation in herself when she sees that this is her life now and in the future. Works Cited Kassim, Elizabeth. “Symbolism in “The Chrysanthemums”” Symbolism in “The Chrysanthemums” Lone Star College, nd Web. February 11, 2014. Shmoop editorial team. “Pots in chrysanthemums.” Shmoop.com. Shmoop University, Inc., November 11, 2008. Web. February 11, 2014. “Chrysanthemums”. SparkNotes. SparkNotes and Web. February 11. 2014.