“The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck
Gender Equality
In society today, women are treated as equals both at home and in the workplace. This sense of equality wasn’t seen the same way all throughout history. In The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck, Elisa is a prime example. Her husband narrow mindedly groups his wife into specific stereotype of being a helpless and weak woman. Women are completely capable of handling any situation her male counterpart can.
Toward the beginning of the story, Elisa was tending to her Chrysanthemums when her husband came by. “You’ve got a gift with things,” her husband Henry said complimenting Elisa on her work. She got excited by what he said, recommending that she work on the orchard. In response she lights up and says she would do it because she has “planters hands.” Henry jokingly says, “Well, it sure works with flowers.” This is a key example in his premature mindedness. He feels that because she is a woman, she cannot handle the manly the rough and manly duties the farm.
Elisa tells the tinker she wishes she could live the kind of life that he does. A stereotypical was made in response. He tinker says his lifestyle wouldn’t be suitable for her. It would be too lonesome and frightening for woman. He prematurely assumed as a woman, she isn’t capable of such tasks. He believed she cant endure tough times or being an independent woman without breaking down. Little did he know, Elisa has lived the life all along. She receives little praise from her husband and as worked tirelessly on her Chrysanthemums. She perfected the craft. Elisa has the largest in the region as a result and gives the tinker tips to pass on to neighboring people in good spirit.
