Symbols of Loneliness and Alienation According to DiYanni, symbols in fiction are simply objects, actions, or even events that convey meaning. The meaning they convey extends beyond their literal meaning, beyond the most obvious actual reason for being included in the story (Literature 95). In “The Chrysanthemums,” John Steinbeck reveals the theme of a woman's loneliness and alienation from her husband through his symbolic use of realistic setting, characters, tinkering, chrysanthemums, and conversations. In “The Chrysanthemums,” Steinbeck paints a vivid picture of the landscape and climate of the Salinas Valley to reflect the somber mood of the protagonist Elisa. The introduction of the story conveys a disturbing separation of the Salina Valley from the rest of the world. Just as “the high flannel-gray fog of winter [closes] the Salinas Valley from… the rest of the world,” so Elisa is isolated from Harry. Likewise, the “fog and rain” foreshadows the estranged relationship that exists between Elisa and Harry (Steinbeck 192). Elisa is a "beautiful" thirty-five year old wife who lives on a ranch with her husband Harry. At the beginning of the story, little interaction is demonstrated between the couple, except for the glances Elisa casts "across the yard [to see] Henry, her husband, [talking] to two men in suits" who she is trying to sell a property. without his wife's knowledge (193). It's clear that Elisa feels lonely, so she channels all her time, energy, and love into growing her "chrysanthemums" in her "wire fence" garden. Not only does the "wire fence" protect Elisa's "flower garden" from "cattle, dogs and chickens", but it also acts as a barrier between Elisa and Harry and takes away any opportunity for the couple to... middle of paper.. ....to be open to any eventuality. And for Elisa, any lingering hope of a passionate, nurturing relationship with Harry comes to naught when she realizes that the "bright" the "tinkerer" leaves behind is only a figment of her imagination. Her inner passion may never be released around Harry, but it will be “strong” in her garden as she pours it all out on her “chrysanthemums” (197). He then asks for a “wine” in a tone devoid of affection between the couple. Elisa probably hopes that when she wakes up after the alcohol runs out, everything will be a dream. In fact, John Steinbeck's “Chrysanthemums” is a symbolic demonstration of the loneliness and alienation that continues to plague many relationships leading to unfulfilled marriages. By using a realistic setting and typical characters, Steinbeck makes the story relevant for many generations to come.