The Use of Symbols in John Steinbeck’s “The Chrysanthemums” In John Steinbeck’s short story, “The Chrysanthemums,” he uses the flower to symbolize his main character’s thoughts and ideas. There are many examples of such symbolism in this work. Elisa Allen is a lonely woman who enjoys growing and nourishing her chrysanthemums. Since her husband is always working the cattle in their farm, she never has enough attention or any kind of affection. The result of this dispassionate marriage leads Steinbeck to describe his main character as follows, “Her face lean and strong…Her figure looked bloc