Breaking Free - The Chrysanthemums This is a character breakdown and analysis of Elisa Allen. This discusses the symbolism of the chrysanthemum garden and her repression.

Jennifer Bowman
Professor Chambers
English 1302
6 June 2002
Breaking Free
Throughout history, women have been portrayed as the weaker sex. As a result of these unfair social assumptions, women have been working hard to dissociate themselves from this stereotype and become more independent with their lives. Many prominent writers have addressed this matter in their stories. John Steinbeck's "The Chrysanthemums" is one of those famous stories that deal with the feminist issue. The story describes Elisa Allen's frustration with her marriage, her sense of isolation from the world and her h…