Here are some of the key ways Steinbeck reveals character information:
1. Direct Description: Steinbeck provides direct physical descriptions of the characters, particularly Elisa. We learn about her strong, capable hands, her "tired face," and her "sturdy legs" which suggest a life of physical labor and a potential for resilience. This physical description hints at Elisa's inner strength and her hidden yearning for something beyond her current life.
2. Dialogue: The dialogue between Elisa and Henry reveals much about their relationship. Henry's attempts to be kind and understanding, coupled with Elisa's sharp retorts and the occasional passive-aggressive remarks, highlight a communication gap and a sense of emotional distance between them. The way they speak about their shared life, their dreams, and their feelings about the farm reveals their distinct personalities and perspectives.
3. Actions and Reactions: Elisa's actions throughout the story, particularly her interaction with the traveling tinker, speak volumes about her hidden desires and frustrations. Her passionate engagement with the tinker, her willingness to share her gardening knowledge, and her final act of discarding the chrysanthemums all reveal her unspoken longing for connection and her struggle with feeling trapped in her life.
4. Interior Monologue: While not extensive, Steinbeck uses limited third-person narration to provide glimpses into Elisa's thoughts and feelings. We learn about her yearning for a "something different," her admiration for the tinker's "traveling spirit," and her unspoken regrets about her life choices. These internal monologues offer a deeper understanding of her desires and motivations.
5. Symbolism: The chrysanthemums themselves act as a powerful symbol of Elisa's hopes, dreams, and frustrations. Their beauty and strength, yet fragility, represent her own desire for change and the potential for her own spirit to wither away.
6. Setting: The stark, isolated setting of the farm reflects the limited opportunities and the sense of confinement that Elisa feels. The contrast between the vibrant chrysanthemums and the drab landscape emphasizes the conflict within Elisa, her desire for something more vibrant and fulfilling.
By skillfully weaving together these techniques, Steinbeck creates a rich and multifaceted portrayal of his characters. We see Elisa as a strong, capable woman who is also deeply yearning for connection and fulfillment. We understand Henry's genuine love for his wife but his inability to truly understand her desires. Through the interplay of these characters and their surroundings, "The Chrysanthemums" becomes a poignant exploration of the human need for connection and the yearning for a life filled with purpose and meaning.