"Assignment #2--Symbolism in Steinbeck."

John Steinbeck's literature can be recognized by the symbolism he uses to identify his characters and their views. He starts off by describing the setting, Salinas Valley, as a closed pot. He then describes Elisa's physical emotions and attire. He describes her face as "lean and strong and her eyes were as clear as water." Elisa spends most of her time flowering her garden, taking care of her chrysanthemums. It's as if her garden is her life due to the fact that her husband ignores her. He doesn't pay as much attention to her as she would want. A stranger approaches her, thus leading her to take her gloves off to greet him. I think this symbolizes her interest in meeting new people. Her husband compliments her gardening skills, but urges her to grow something else. Although they seem distant, they make plans for dinner. I find it interesting at the end of the story, when Elisa questions her husband about the fights. She asks if any women ever go to the fights. I think she says this because she, herself, is a strong woman, willing to put up with the fights. She wants to prove to her husband that she is strong. The last sentence reads "She turned up her coat collar so he could not see that she was crying weakly - like an old woman." Although she is a strong woman, she also feels sorrow for the way her life is, miserable, living it with a man who doesn't feel anything towards her.