“The Chrysanthemums” and Its Symbolism John Steinbeck uses symbolism to give alternate meanings to his short story “Chrysanthemums.” A symbol is a device used to suggest more than its literary meaning. He uses these symbols to look further into the characters and their situations. The character Elisa has a garden, which is more than just a garden, and the chrysanthemums that she tends are more than just flowers. There are actions that she performs in …showed first 75 words of 617 total…

…showed last 75 words of 617 total…tells a fortune to Elisa. It foretells her that she is to forever live in a passionate marriage. A marriage that is equal, in her eyes, to being “like an old woman.” There are many other symbols in the Chrysanthemums and there are many ways to interpret them. Having such symbolism in a short story adds intrigue and excitement. It gives the reader a chance to find further meaning and importance to the authors writing.