siness transaction, whereas men are usually very serious and unemotional. Elisa finally seems to be content with her sexuality, just because one man took an interest in her and what she does. Taking a shower, she scrubbed herselfuntil her skin was scratched and red, washing away the masculinity and realizing I am strong. She finally realizes the strength in her womanhood. When she dresses she puts on her newest under-clothing and her nicest stockings and the dress which was the symbol of her prettiness. Elisa is happy by the way she looks, however, she is displeased when her husband describes her as nice, she is more satisfied when he uses the words strong and happy. As Elisa and her husband made there way out for the evening Elisas self-esteem and satisfaction in herself quickly ceased. Elisa saw a dark speck. She knew, it was her prized chrysanthemums on the side of the road. Elisa feels weak, betrayed and feminine once again. This was the lowest point of her sexuality, causing her to withdraw back into a delicate, unconfident woman for the last time. She attempts to regain strength in herself by bringing up the fights to Henry. Shes trying to show an interest in something he can relate to, attempting to put them at the same level. The attempt goes unsuccessfully, he immediately crushes her effort by saying I dont think youd like it. She finally comes to the conclusion that she will always be a passive female who is inferior to men. She turned up her coat collar so he could not see that she was crying weakly --- like an old woman.Throughout the short story Elisa Allen suffers through the feelings of inferiority in a world of male domination. She goes from having masculine characteristics to positive female ones and finally regresses to a low point of weakness and inadequacy. All she ever wanted was to be appreciated and noticed by men at an equal level, however, it never happened. Many women suffered, like Elisa, du...
