The Chrysanthemums

Throughout the story, Steinbeck hints at Elisa’s Dissatisfaction. What is Steinbeck’s overall message regarding Dissatisfaction for women in the 1930s? Consider these points as you reflect on the text to answer the question.

• In what ways is Elisa dissatisfied?
• What does she believe would bring her satisfaction?
• What does the fact that she has no children imply about her relationship with Henry?
• How are her interactions with Henry and the Tinker indicative of Elisa’s Sexual Fulfillment in her marriage?
• What do the chrysanthemums represent for Elisa?
• Why is she relegated to the garden when she clearly has “planter’s hands”? What effect does this have on her character?

Teaching Suggestion: Before engaging students with this prompt, it might be helpful to consider all the ways a person could be dissatisfied—emotionally, physically, sexually, spiritually, etc.

Differentiation Suggestion: For students with processing challenges, it might be helpful to create a graphic organizer with some of the categories of dissatisfaction listed above. Instead of considering all the ways in which Elisa might be dissatisfied, it might be helpful for these learners to focus on one category with a small group. Then, have each group share out their findings for different categories in a whole group setting.