The chrysanthemum is an ancient flower that dates back to
the 15th century B.C. Named from the Greek prefix -chry which
means "golden," which was its original color, chrysanthemums now are in a variety of
colors with a golden center. Somewhat like a daisy with longer petals, chrysanthemums
are symbolic of optimism and joy. For the Japanese, chrysanthemums, with their orderly
unfolding are considered symbolic of perfection.
In John
Steinbeck's story, Elisa channels her creative and reproductive powers into her
chrysanthemums which she tends lovingly since her husband is always preoccupied with
tending his ranch. Living with him in the Salinas Valley, a "closed pot" offers Elisa
no outlets for her feminine nature. However, when the tinker arrives, Elisa, like the
chrysanthemums "unfolds" and releases her feminine urges and
optimism:
Her
eyes shone. She tore off the battered hat and shook out her dark pretty
hair."It's the budding that takes the most care," she said
hesitantly. "I don't know how to tell you." She looked deep into his eyes,
searchingly. Her mouth opened a little, and she seemed to be
listening....She was kneeling on the ground looking up at
him. Her breast swelled
passionately.
Believing that
the tinker was genuinely interested in the flowers causes Elisa's nature to bloom.
However, after she appears beautiful and perfect like her flowers in her womanhood and
dresses to go to town, Elisa discovers the chrysanthemums and a broken pot on the side
of the road, ending her romantic dream. They have become what the tinker called them, a
"quick puff of colored smoke":
In a moment it was over. The thing was done.
She did not look
back.
Elisa's description of
the flowers as having a "good bitter smell" suggests that like the chrysanthemum, the
beauty of the moment is ephemeral, indeed.
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