The Use of Symbols to Express a Theme - 900 Words

The Use of Symbols to Express a Theme John Steinbeck, in â€Å"The Chrysanthemums† expresses the theme through the use of symbols. The events in â€Å"The Chrysanthemums† take place in the Salinas Valley and focuses on Elisa Allen, her loneliness, and her attempt to communicate with others. In this story, Steinbeck uses various symbols to express the theme, which states that true communication must flow in both directions. The most important symbol in the story, the chrysanthemum, strongly expresses the theme as it represents the story as a whole. Additionally, the specific characteristics of the flower themselves symbolize different events in the story. In this story, Steinbeck relates the characteristics of the chrysanthemum to various events†¦show more content†¦In the story, Steinbeck has Henry Allen, Elisa’s husband, comment on the size of the chrysanthemums. Henry sees the chrysanthemums and states that they are a â€Å"strong new crop†. To this she agrees. He later comments on the smaller size of some of the other organisms in her garden and how he wishes that they could be larger like the chrysanthemums. In this section, we get the sense that the chrysanthemums are the strongest, healthiest, and biggest plants in her garden. Instantly we sense the connection between the chrysanthemums and Elisa. Elisa, like the chrysanthemums, has strong and healthy characteristics. Additionally, Elisa and the chrysanthemums are the only things in the story that have common characteristics; therefore it is safe to say that the chrysanthemums symbolize Elisa. The petals of the chrysanthemums are symbolic as well. Steinbeck relates this symbol to major occurrences in his story. The chrysanthemums have been raised and nurtured by Elisa, stand tall and strong, and are â€Å"10 inches wide†. The chrysanthemums are giving all they can and are the biggest they can be. Steinbeck relates this symbol to Henry and Elisa’s relationship and the interaction between the s alesman and Elisa. In the beginning of the story we see the condition of Elisa’s and Henry’s relationship. We first see Henry â€Å"†¦talking to two men in business suits†. We get the sense that Henry is a hard working man and is greatly involved in his work. AfterShow MoreRelatedYoung Goodman Brown and the Lottery640 Words   |  3 PagesSymbolism Use In: Young Goodman Brown and The Lottery The authors, Shirley Jackson and Nathaniel Hawthorne, both frequently use symbols within their stories The Lottery and Young Goodman Brown. Symbols are utilized as an enhancement tool to stress the theme of each story. Hawthorne uses names and objects to enhance the theme, and Jackson mainly utilizes names to stress the theme, although she does have one object as a symbol of great importance to the theme. 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