Lonesome Femininity Witnessed Through the Eyes of Student Killings - Assignment Example

Elisa desires and wants love as she is filled with insecurity and loneliness. “Her face was eager and mature and handsome; even her work with the scissors was over-eager, over-powerful” (Steinbeck, 2005) Elisa symbolizes the normal human being who is reacting to things, and these things are vividly expressed in her ‘Chrysanthemums’ as one does feel her desperation who obeys her inner instincts. For Elisa, the chrysanthemums that she desires to grow and nurture can be viewed as a replacement for not having children, “Yes.

They'll be strong this coming year…….. I have a gift with things”(Steinbeck, 2005) a clear hint and wish for children that would fill her loneliness. Elisa is forever seeking love and acceptance and whose actions can be compared to the tinker’s dog, “The rangy dog darted from between the wheels and ran ahead…….with stiff and quivering tails, with taut straight legs, with ambassadorial dignity, they slowly circled, sniffing daintily” (Steinbeck, 2005) another aspect is sexual frustration which Elisa exhibits, “she stood in front of a mirror in her bedroom and looked at her body.

She tightened her stomach and threw out her chest. She turned and looked over her shoulder at her back.” (Steinbeck, 2005) and further symbolized in the seeds and flowers which signify fertility. This epitomizes Steinbeck’s, portrayal of an emotionally starved woman trapped in a marriage, “She turned up her coat collar so he could not see that she was crying weakly--like an old woman.” (Steinbeck, 2005)