john steinbeck's chrysanthemums

The Chrysanthemums: The Failure of Communication



To begin with, the main protagonist, Elisa Allen is quite interested in growing chrysanthemums. Given that it is hard to grow the sensitive plant, Elisa's interest seems unusual. Yet unfortunately her husband, Henry Allen does not understand her mind; his interest is focused not on the point that she likes to grow it but on the possibility of making money with the help of her great inborn skill. Meanwhile, Elisa confronts a puzzling situation in which a wandering mender visits her house. At first, Elisa does not pay attention to the mender's sugge...