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John Steinbeck is one of the finest authors in the American realist tradition. In addition to "The Chrysanthemums," Steinbeck's books Of Mice and Men and The Grapes of Wrath also paint a picture of life during the Great Depression. Students interested in similar stories might consider other American realists, including Kate Chopin (The Awakening), Stephen Crane (The Red Badge of Courage), and early works by Ernest Hemingway (In Our Time).
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The Question and Answer section for The Chrysanthemums is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.
The stranger shows an interest in her chrysanthemums.
The stranger is "a big man" with dark, brooding eyes. Initially, Elisa is cautious and evasive, but the stranger's talk about her chrysanthemums manages to draw her.... and he draws her in by touching upon her passion for her flowers. As he...
"Her terrier fingers destroyed such pests before they could get started" (338)
Here, a metaphor is being used to compare Elisa's fingers to terriers. This creates a distinct, vivid image of how Elisa must garden, her...
