- Elisa's isolation and confinement: Steinbeck portrays Elisa as a woman trapped by her domestic responsibilities and isolated from emotional fulfillment. She feels confined within her traditional role as a farmer's wife and yearns for something more in her life. Her isolation is symbolized by the Salinas River, which acts as a barrier between her home and the open world beyond.
- Desire for passion and fulfillment: Throughout the story, Elisa is drawn to the tinkerer's stories of far-off places and exciting experiences. The chrysanthemums she tends to with dedication represent her stifled desires and her potential for beauty and growth. Her encounter with the tinkerer awakens this inner longing, and she sees in him a chance to escape her monotonous existence. However, societal conventions and her societal circumstances prevent her from seizing this opportunity.
- Struggle against societal expectations: Elisa grapples with the constraints imposed on women during her time. She feels unappreciated by her husband, who takes her hard work for granted and dismisses her interests. Through Elisa's experiences, Steinbeck explores the limitations placed on women's self-expression and their confined roles within traditional familial structures.
By delving into Elisa's inner yearnings and emotional depth, Steinbeck underscores the theme of seeking fulfillment beyond societal expectations. He also questions the societal treatment of women in the early 20th century, emphasizing the need for greater understanding and empowerment of women's desires and potential.