Abstract

The paper tries to analyze the main causes of Elisa’s failed quest for identity by illustrating her tragedy in “The chrysanthemums”. In the story, Elisa goes through three stages, form “lost” to “struggle” to “fail”. The story ends in tragedy due to three aspects, the impact of the industrialization and patriarchal thinking, gender constrains and Elisa’s cowardice.

Keywords: John Steinbeck; The chrysanthemums; gender; patriarchy; cowardice

Contents

Abstract

摘  要

Introduction-1

  1. Literature Review-1

  2. The Information about John Steinbeck and His Works-2

1. The Lost Elisa-4

  1.1 The Disharmonious Spousal Relationship-4

    1.1.1 The Disharmonious Sexual Relationship-4

    1.1.2 The Different Attitudes toward the chrysanthemums-4

    1.1.3 Totally Different Life Circle-5

  1.2 "The Chrysanthemums" as Consolation-6

  1.3 Misplace of the Trust-7

2. The Struggling Elisa-9

  2.1 Elisa's Subconscious Imitation of Man-9

  2.2 Elisa's Conscious Resistance-10

  2.3 Elisa's Conflicting Attitudes towards Herself-11

3. The Tragic Reality-13

  3.1 The Society-13

    3.1.1 The Destructive Impact of Industrialization-13

    3.1.2 The Patriarchal Thinking-13

  3.2 The Gender Constrains-14

  3.3 Elisa's Cowardice-15

Conclusion-17

Work Cited.-18