Question

In "The Chrysanthemums," the interaction between Elisa and the traveling repairman helps develop the story's theme about taking risks. Describe their interaction and explain how it helps to develop the story's theme.

Answer 1

In Steinbacks’ “The Chrysanthemum”, Elisa Allen’s interaction with the repairman indicates her need of a different life that she had been experiencing. She was born at a time where women had little opportunity to choose the things they want and express their wants. It can be seen that Elisa is an intelligent and passionate woman who’s been married to a man that she do not like. Her interaction with the repairman is mostly exchanged with thought-provoking conversation and the need for sex. Because these are the things that were not given to her by her husband. The repairman, even though he exchanges flirts with her, do not feel the same. It is shown that he does not share Elisa’s passion at all when he threw Elisa’s chrysanthemum shoots away – a representation of Elisa.

Answer 2

In "The Chrysanthemums," Elisa is a woman who is unhappy with her life. However, this unhappiness is not obvious, and it is likely that even Elisa is not sure of what this dissatisfaction is. However, as readers, we can see that Elisa feels trapped in a conventional life with no excitement. She does not feel passionate love for her husband. Similarly, her husband does not feel much love for her, and he is happy to see her reduced to a role that does not fulfill her.

When the travelling repairman arrives, the theme of risk is enhanced. We can see that Elisa feels that her life needs more passion and adventure, and this can be found in the repairman. She acts in a way that is risky for a married woman, but he seems to reciprocate. This feeling of risk brings hope to Elisa and to the reader, However, towards the end we see that Elisa's situation remains unchanged.