John Steinbeck’s short story “The Chrysanthemums” is a compelling exploration of gender roles, repressed desires, and societal expectations. Within this narrative, the presence of dogs plays a significant role in conveying deeper meanings and symbolizing the dynamics between the characters. By analyzing various sources, including “The Chrysanthemums and the Lady with the Pet Dog as the Key to a Happy Marriage” from GradesFixer, “The Chrysanthemums Questions” from GradeSaver, and “The Last Chrysanthemums” from CourseBB, we can gain insight into the purpose of including dogs in the story.

Symbolism

The interaction between Elisa’s dogs and the tinker’s dog in “The Chrysanthemums” carries symbolic significance. The dogs serve as representations of various themes and emotions present in the story.

Elisa’s Strength and Intelligence:

Elisa’s dogs symbolize her own robustness, intelligence, and wit. They serve as an extension of her character, highlighting her inner strength and intellectual capabilities. Just as the dogs are portrayed as strong and powerful, Elisa possesses these qualities as well. The dogs reflect her desire for adventure and escape from the confines of her role as a housewife. However, like the dogs, Elisa’s strength remains untapped and unexpressed.

Elisa’s Superiority:

The presence of the dogs in “The Chrysanthemums” also emphasizes Elisa’s superiority over the tinker. Her dogs, being stronger and more majestic than the tinker’s mongrel, mirror her own intellectual and emotional dominance. Elisa’s sharp banter with the tinker showcases her wit and intelligence, positioning her as intellectually superior. The dogs serve as a visual representation of Elisa’s superiority and her potential for growth and change.

Passive Submission

Despite Elisa’s evident strength and superiority, she ultimately succumbs to the tinker’s charm and pays him for a job she could have easily done herself. This act of passive submission is mirrored in the behavior of the dogs.

Parallel of Submission:

The dogs’ abandonment of their initial threat towards the tinker’s mongrel reflects Elisa’s own passive submission. Just as the dogs choose to sleep and relinquish their guard, Elisa allows the tinker to take advantage of her vulnerability. The dogs’ behavior serves as a visual metaphor for Elisa’s internal struggle to assert herself and break free from societal expectations.

Yearning for Change:

The dogs in “The Chrysanthemums” act as reminders of Elisa’s deep-seated desire for change and adventure. Their presence throughout the story serves as a constant reminder of her unfulfilled aspirations. However, Elisa’s inability to act upon her desires is mirrored by the dogs’ inability to communicate their knowledge to others.

Conclusion

The inclusion of dogs in “The Chrysanthemums” serves multiple purposes, adding depth and symbolism to the narrative. They represent Elisa’s strength, intelligence, and superiority over the tinker. Additionally, they symbolize her internal struggle, highlighting her yearning for change and her ultimate submission to societal expectations. The dogs act as silent witnesses to Elisa’s unexpressed desires and serve as powerful symbols of her untapped potential.

FAQs

The Purpose of Including Dogs in “The Chrysanthemums”

Introduction

John Steinbeck’s short story “The Chrysanthemums” delves into themes of gender roles, repressed desires, and societal expectations. The inclusion of dogs in the narrative serves a symbolic purpose, shedding light on the dynamics between the characters and adding depth to the story. Here are some frequently asked questions about the purpose of including dogs in “The Chrysanthemums” along with their answers:

What is the significance of the dogs in “The Chrysanthemums”?

The dogs in “The Chrysanthemums” hold symbolic meaning, representing various themes and emotions present in the story. They serve as reflections of the main character, Elisa’s, strength, intelligence, and unfulfilled desires.

How do the dogs symbolize Elisa’s strength and intelligence?

Elisa’s dogs are portrayed as strong and powerful, mirroring her own robustness, intelligence, and wit. They highlight her inner strength and intellectual capabilities, suggesting her potential for growth and change.

What does the interaction between Elisa’s dogs and the tinker’s dog signify?

The interaction between Elisa’s dogs and the tinker’s dog symbolizes the dynamics between Elisa and the tinker. Elisa’s dogs, being stronger and more majestic than the tinker’s mongrel, represent her superiority over him and her intellectual dominance in their encounter.

How does the inclusion of dogs emphasize Elisa’s struggle with societal expectations?

Despite Elisa’s evident strength and superiority, she passively submits to the tinker’s charm and pays him for a job she could have easily done herself. The dogs’ behavior parallels this passive submission, reflecting Elisa’s struggle to break free from societal expectations and assert herself.

What do the dogs’ actions reveal about Elisa’s unfulfilled aspirations?

The dogs in “The Chrysanthemums” act as reminders of Elisa’s deep-seated desire for change and adventure. Their presence throughout the story signifies her unfulfilled aspirations and her yearning for a more fulfilling life beyond her role as a housewife.

How do the dogs contribute to the overall symbolism in the story?

The dogs symbolize Elisa’s strength, intelligence, and unexpressed desires. They serve as visual representations of her untapped potential and highlight the internal struggle she faces in trying to break free from societal expectations.

Do the dogs play a role in Elisa’s transformation or growth?

While the dogs themselves do not directly facilitate Elisa’s transformation or growth, their presence and symbolism contribute to the exploration of her character and her potential for change. They serve as catalysts for self-reflection and highlight the conflicts she faces within herself.

How do the dogs add depth to the narrative of “The Chrysanthemums”?

The inclusion of dogs adds layers of symbolism and complexity to the story. They deepen the exploration of themes such as power dynamics, gender roles, and personal aspirations. The dogs’ presence enhances the reader’s understanding of Elisa’s character and her internal struggles.