Saturday, December 22, 2018

In The Chrysanthemums, what are Elisa’s dominant qualities?

In The Chrysanthemums, Elisa is portrayed as isolated but initially unconcerned with the solitary situation of the farm where she and her husband live. A sensible person, she seems satisfied with her marriage and overall situation; both are secure though dull. They have no children. The narrator’s physical description emphasizes her strength and clarity. Elisa’s passion is for gardening; this is her one creative outlet, and her husband appreciates her gift. The arrival of the tinker, however, made her realize that she was not actually happy. The novelty of the wares he peddles is one of the attractions, but she is still shown as practical. She does not indulge in buying useless items. She also enjoys talking with him about the flowers she grows. In contrast, the tinker is figuratively rootless life, sleeping in his wagon and traveling around. When she tells him, “I wish women could do such things,” it offers a clue to her dissatisfaction.

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