Question

Based on the passage, locate a possible theme from "The Chrysanthemums".

Answer 1

I don't know which passage you are referring to, but if these are the options: A.Women are not given opportunities to put their skills to good use. B.Living and working in the Salinas Valley is too easy. C.Difficult times call for difficult measures. D.Loneliness leads to unwise choices.

The answer is probably A.

In this short story, the main character Elisa is a woman who has a creative potential, as well as strength and persistence, but she never gets a chance to put them to good use. She craves an opportunity to realize her potential, but there is none. All she ever does are chores and housework, so she invests all her creativity into nurturing her chrysanthemums. The stranger is quite an intriguing figure for her - if nothing else, because he is different from her husband. He inspires her.

One might also think that D is the right choice. But I don't believe so. This is not a moralistic story. The author doesn't reprimand Elisa for giving a little bit of her affection to the stranger. He understands her behavior.