According to Norman Holland, a story deals with the author, the author's relationship to his work or what he creates. In Holland's opinion texts contain autobiographical elements, or are totally autobiographical. In the case of The Chrysanthemums this is not true, although there are at least some biographical elements in the story.
Elisa Allen, the main character, has been suggested to be Steinbeck's second wife Carol, because of the description of her outward appearance (bulky figure, strong, energetic, ...). Additionally, the Steinbecks, like the Allens in the story, had no children at the time the story was written. Owing to the fact that these elements are not significant to the story itself, they are neglected in our interpretation.
However, the short story 'The Chrysanthemums' does not tie the reader down to a certain interpretation. A psychoanalytical approach appears as practicable as a feminist or a phenomenological one.
The central theme in the story is Elisa's frustration. She is the main character, the reader's attention is focused on her throughout the story. In our analysis the reasons for her development as well as the source of her frustration, the different symbolisms and metaphors will be discussed from several perspectives.
In the phenomenological approach we can see to what extent the reader influences the text - an explanation for the feminist and psychological approaches following on. In the feminist approach we will mostly focus on Elisa's character as her behavior gives indications of her frustration: Elisa is forced to play a role, which is determined by her gender. This role strongly influences her sense of identity and her behavior; moreover, it gives rise to her conflict and frustration. The psychoanalytic approach also concentrates on Elisa, for she is the main character and the other characters are closely connected with her. And it is the three of them that form the reader's psychological background.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Approaches
- Analysis
- Elisa - Part I
- Elisa and Henry
- Elisa and the Pot Mender
- Elisa - Part II
- Symbols
Objectives and Key Themes
The objective of this analysis is to explore John Steinbeck's short story, "The Chrysanthemums," through feminist, phenomenological, and psychoanalytic lenses. The analysis aims to understand Elisa's frustration and the various interpretations possible from the text.
- Elisa's Frustration and its Sources
- The Role of Gender in Shaping Elisa's Identity and Behavior
- Symbolism and Metaphor in the Story
- The Reader's Role in Interpretation
- The Impact of the Story's Ambiguity
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter introduces the story and its main character, Elisa Allen. It touches upon biographical elements potentially influencing the story but emphasizes that the analysis will focus on textual interpretations rather than biographical connections. The chapter establishes the central theme of Elisa's frustration and outlines the three critical approaches—feminist, phenomenological, and psychoanalytic—that will be used in the analysis. It highlights the story's open-endedness and the multiple interpretations it allows.
Approaches: This chapter discusses the theoretical frameworks guiding the analysis. It emphasizes the importance of multiple interpretive approaches, citing Steinbeck's own letter expressing the story's aim to affect readers profoundly without explicitly stating how. The chapter draws heavily on Wolfgang Iser's work on reader response theory, explaining how readers actively participate in creating meaning from a text through interaction with its structure and their own experiences. The concept of the "implied reader" is introduced, highlighting the dynamic interaction between text and reader in constructing meaning. The chapter concludes by asserting that the reader's engagement with the text is crucial to understanding its impact.
Keywords
Feminist literary criticism, phenomenological approach, psychoanalytic approach, reader-response theory, "The Chrysanthemums," John Steinbeck, Elisa Allen, frustration, gender roles, symbolism, ambiguity, interpretation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of John Steinbeck's "The Chrysanthemums"
What is the purpose of this analysis?
This analysis explores John Steinbeck's short story, "The Chrysanthemums," using feminist, phenomenological, and psychoanalytic perspectives. The goal is to understand Elisa's frustration and the multiple interpretations possible from the text.
What are the key themes explored in the analysis?
Key themes include Elisa's frustration and its sources, the role of gender in shaping Elisa's identity and behavior, the symbolism and metaphors within the story, the reader's role in interpretation, and the impact of the story's ambiguity.
What is the structure of the analysis?
The analysis is structured into sections covering an introduction, different critical approaches, a detailed analysis broken down by sections of the story focusing on Elisa and her interactions, an exploration of symbolism, and a conclusion.
What critical approaches are used in the analysis?
The analysis utilizes feminist literary criticism, a phenomenological approach, and a psychoanalytic approach to provide a multifaceted interpretation of the story.
How does the analysis incorporate reader-response theory?
The analysis emphasizes the importance of reader-response theory, particularly Wolfgang Iser's work, highlighting how readers actively create meaning through their interaction with the text and their own experiences. The concept of the "implied reader" is central to this understanding.
What are the main chapters and their content?
The analysis includes an introduction establishing the central theme and outlining the critical approaches. A chapter on approaches discusses the theoretical frameworks used. A significant portion is dedicated to a detailed analysis of the story, broken down into sections focusing on Elisa and her key interactions. Finally, a chapter explores the symbolism within the story.
What are the key words associated with this analysis?
Key words include Feminist literary criticism, phenomenological approach, psychoanalytic approach, reader-response theory, "The Chrysanthemums," John Steinbeck, Elisa Allen, frustration, gender roles, symbolism, ambiguity, interpretation.
What is the overall focus of the analysis regarding Elisa?
The analysis focuses on understanding Elisa's frustration, its origins, and how it is shaped by gender roles and societal expectations. It explores the multiple interpretations possible regarding her character and actions.
What role does ambiguity play in the analysis?
The analysis acknowledges and explores the story's inherent ambiguity and how it contributes to multiple interpretations and the active role of the reader in creating meaning.
- Quote paper
- M. Tomberger (Author), K. Fend (Author), Ch. Dangl (Author), 1997, Feminist, phenomenological and psychoanalytic approaches to "The Chrysanthemums" by John Ernst Steinbeck, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/10448
