“A & P” and “The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck

Student Name Professor Name Course Date Reading Response The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck 1 Compose a complete sentence (that includes the title and author) that states the author’s meaning or purpose. In The Chrysanthemums, John Steinbeck talks about an old lady who has led a slumbering, systematic farm existence till she encounters some unusual peddlers. She then tries to transform into a teenage girl before she comes to know that her dreams have nothing to do with reality and are entirely fraudulent. 2 List at least five phrases/sentences that you think are especially important to the story (include page numbers in parentheses). Briefly explain why you chose each. The five important phrases of this story are Elisa watched them for some time, Elisa cast a glance toward the tractor shed, her eyes got sharpened, Elisa found that he was a giant man, and his face had fallen to an exaggerated sadness. These describe different moods of main characters, so are of great value. 3 Identify at least three symbols (in addition to the chrysanthemums) and explain what each one represents. Despite chrysanthemums, irritably, excitedly, and perplexed are three main symbols of this story, which represent anger, excitement, and hesitation respectively. 4 Read the first two paragraphs carefully. In what way does the setting of the story foreshadow what follows? After reading the first two paragraphs, I got to know that this story opens nicely and peacefully, and reads quietly. But the tranquility of moods and behaviors contains anticipation and ambivalent oppressiveness. 5 Describe Elisa as a character. What kind of person is she? As a person, Elisa is humble and noble, but she always attempts to fulfill her dreams and is ready to do anything in this regard. 6 We see Elisa talk to Henry at the beginning and again at the end of the story. What kind of relationship does she have with Henry? Elisa glances briefly at Henry in the beginning and considers him a stranger, but she eventually realizes that he is a good person so develops a friendship with him. 7 Why does Steinbeck spend so much time describing Elisa's clothes? How does her clothing change as the story progresses? Steinbeck spends too much time talking about Elisa's clothes as he wants to highlight the positive and negative aspects of her outfits. The clothing of Elisa changes as the story progresses because she tries to give herself younger and prettier look; she doesn’t care about her age and body structure. 8 In what ways is the tinker a contrast to Elisa? What might he represent for her? Is he sincere, or is he just a con man? Are there any ways in which they are alike? (Note: Study their conversation carefully for clues.) I feel that the tinker is a contrast to Elisa because he presents her as a lady ...