JOHN STEINBECK THE CHRYSANTHEMUMS

JOHN STEINBECK B. February 27, 1902 D. December 20, 1968 Most work set in southern and central California Themes: fate and injustice

CONTEXT The circumstance that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea in which it can easily be understood In the 1930s, Americans experienced the Great Depression. Many people moved to California, looking for better land and good jobs.

SETTING The environment in which a story or event takes place The Salinas Valley in California on Henry’s and Elisa’s ranch

MAIN CHARACTERS PROTAGONIST V. ANTAGONIST A protagonist is a main character who generates the action of a story and engages the reader's interest and empathy. The protagonist is often the hero or heroine. An antagonist person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something

MAIN CHARACTERS (CONTINUED) Elisa Allen Henry Allen The Tinker

POINT OF VIEW the position from which something or someone is observed. Told in 3 rd person From the viewpoint of Elisa

SUMMARY a brief statement or account of the main points of something Elisa has a passion for gardening, especially her chrysanthemums. Elisa feels unappreciated by her husband, due to his views on women. Henry does not understand Elisa’s facination with chrysanthemums and mocks her in other realms as well. In meeting the tinker, a businessman in himself, is looking for work from Elisa, although she is not interested. The wise and manipulative tinker catches Elisa’s interest by expressing interesting in her flowers.

SUMMARY (CONTINUED) The tinker expresses that a client of his has an interest in growing chrysanthemums as well Elisa excitedly responds to him and eventually warms up to the tinker. As they begin talking, Elisa notes how the tinker has the same views of women as her husband, Henry As Elisa and her husband leave their home for a night on the town, Elisa comes to the realization that she has been toyed with by the tinker

CONFLICT a serious disagreement or argument, typically a protracted one. Elisa v. Henry Elisa v. self Elisa v. Tinker

CLIMAX A decisive moment that is of maximum intensity or is a major turning point in a plot. Elisa attempts to make physical contact with the tinker Elisa sees the chrysanthemums lying in the middle of the road

RESOLUTION The action of solving a problem, dispute, or contentious matter. Elisa’s realization

LITERARY ELEMENTS Foreshadow A warning or indication of (a future event). Elisa’s relationship with the men she sees and encounters Imagery visually descriptive or figurative language Nature and appearance

SYMBOLS Chrysanthemums Crops Pots Dogs Technology Clothing

CHARACTERIZATION Direct The writer makes direct statements about a character’s personality and tells what the character is like Think adjectives/descriptio ns Indirect The writer reveals information about the character and his/her personality through that character’s thoughts, words, and actions, along with how other characters respond to that character. Think verbs/actions