Symbols of Alienation and Loneliness Essay -- Literary Analysis, John

Symbols of Loneliness and AlienationAccording to DiYanni, Symbols in fiction are simply objects, actions, or even events that convey import. The meaning they convey extends beyond their literal significance, beyond their more obvious actual reason for being included in the story (Literature 95). In The Chrysanthemums, John Steinbeck reveals the subject field of loneliness and alienation of a woman from her save through his symbolic use of a realistic setting, character, tinker, chrysanthemums, and conversations.In The Chrysanthemums, Steinbeck paints a vivid picture of Salinas v wholeeys landscape and climate to reflect the gloomy mood of the main character Elisa. The introduction of the story conveys a disturbing separation of Salina Valley from the ataraxis of the world. Just as the high grey-flannel fog of winter closes off Salinas Valley from the rest of the world so is Elisa isolated from Harry. Similarly, the fog and rain foreshadows the move out relationship that exist s between Elisa and Harry (Steinbeck 192).Elisa is a thirty-five year old handsome wife who lives on a ranch with her husband Harry. At the beginning of the story, little interaction is demonstrated between the couple, except for glances Elisa casts across the yard to see Henry, her husband, talk to two men in business suits he is trying to sell some property to without the knowledge of his wife (193). It is evident Elisa feels lonely so she channels all her time, energy and love towards peak her chrysanthemums in her wire fence garden. Not only does the wire fence protect Elisas flower garden from cattle and dogs and chicken hardly it also serves as a barrier between Elisa and Harry and removes all opportunity from the couple to... ...o be opened for any eventualities. And for Elisa every lingering hope for a passionate and nurturing relationship with Harry is a fiasco as she realizes that the glowing the tinker leaves behind is just a apologue of her imagination. Her inner pa ssion may never be released around Harry but will be strong in her garden as she pours it all out on her chrysanthemums (197). So she requests for a wine in a tone that is devoid of affection between the couple. Elisa probably hopes that when she wakes up aft(prenominal) the drink wears off everything will be a dream.Indeed John Steinbecks Chrysanthemums is a symbolic demonstration of the loneliness and alienation that continues to plague many another(prenominal) relationships leading to unsatisfied marriages. By using a realistic setting and typical characters Steinbeck makes the story relevant to many generations to come.