too Whitaker 2long. For instance, when Henry comments about Elisa’s chrysanthemums, he first uses the word “strong” which implies masculinity. Elisa then speaks about how she would be good at working in the orchards. Henry apparently feels Elisa has spoken too much about masculine subjects because he resorts back to calling the chrysanthemums simply “flowers” (221). This first scene between husband and wife sets the tone of the entire story. Elisa’s gestures and actions change as different words and topics are mentioned to her. She feel’s unimportant and inferior as a woman and strong enough to be a man.Soon after Henry leaves to finish he work, the tinker is introduced into the story. Here is where Elisa’s sexuality is tested. Elisa’s first reaction to the tinker is similar to that of a man’s, “for she resists giving him work” (Marcus 56). She show strong qualities as she tells the tinker she as no work for him. The tinker begins to weaken Elisa, though, and eventually breaks her strong stance by using her pride and joy - her chrysanthemums. The tinker captures the beauty of the chrysanthemums in a poetic, feminine nature. He describes them as a “quick puff of colored smoke,” which appeals to Elisa’s feminine side. Suddenly, Elisa begins to unveil her womanliness. She tears off her hat and shakes out her “dark pretty hair” (Steinbeck 224). By being interested in Elisa’s feminine flowers, the tinker makes Elisa comfortable with her sexuality. Allowing her feminine nature to appear, Elisa becomes emotional vulnerable during the “business” transaction involving her chrysanthemums. This is feminine nature because men tend to be unemotional during business related activities (Sweet 213).After the tinker leaves, Elisa finally appears content with her sexuality. As she gets ready for her outing with Henry, Elisa shows...
