<em>The Chrysanthemums</em> is a short story written by Steinbeck. The story takes place in Salinas Valley, what is one of the most agriculturally productive places in California, just south of the San Francisco Bay area. The story, more specifically, takes place in the ranch of Henry Allen, the husband of the main character, Elisa, who is, throughout the story, figuratively likened to chrysanthemums, as they are both beautiful and yet strong.
