Introduction
Interesting details
The horse and donkey were compared to a droopy flower that needed watered. Elisa is the droopy flower. She sees the world with a view of delicacy and strength. She can be both strong and delicate. She wants to be assertive but the era discourages the type of woman she wants to be (Steinbeck).
Elisa is discouraged because her husband does not really see her strengths or her beauty. The salesman seems to relate to her more than her husband. She feels a bond with him because he talks to her as an equal; he is willing to listen (Steinbeck).
Connections with personal experience
The fix it man began his sales pitch by joking and talking. Door to door salesmen use the same technique today. They come to the door, compliment the homeowner, make a joke or two, and then start their sales pitch. One thing that seems to always be common is the inability to take no for an answer (Steinbeck).
Connections with other texts or events/related issues
In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Young Goodman Brown, women are portrayed as timid and unable to protect themselves. They are not to be sexual beings at all, just faithful wives and mothers. Women are not equal to men in either story.
Perplexing parts
The willow scrub is like Elisa, strong and competent in any environment. The chrysanthemum stalks are delicate. Elisa wants to be seen as strong and uses tools that help her appear that way (Steinbeck).
It was rather surprising when Elisa reveals her feminine and sexual side as she prepares to go out with her husband. She asserts her strength throughout the story, and until she bathes the softer side is not seen (Steinbeck).
Supporting ideas
Throughout the story, Elisa tries to show how intelligent and strong she is. She is dismissed as a mere housewife that cannot do anything for herself (Steinbeck).
Striking ideas, words, images/ why chosen
“The high gray-flannel fog of winter” (Steinbeck 419) is a great image. One can picture a man’s thick flannel shirt, soft and sturdy; this could also be a visual representation of how Elisa feels (Steinbeck).
Author’s point of view/ attitude that affects material
The author realizes that women are more than subservient beings. Women are strong and want to be seen as equal to men (Steinbeck).
The Yellow Wallpaper- Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Interesting details
The story is based upon the life events and psychological issues the author herself faced. She is forced to abide by what her husband feels is best. Her own opinion and insight do not matter (Gilman). She believes if she is able to write and be a part of society she will be able to overcome her internal struggles (Gilman).
Connections with personal experience
Sometimes monotony can be soothing when there is no other alternative. Comfort or perhaps stimulation is found in the wallpaper. Destroying the wallpaper gives her an empowerment (Gilman).
Connections with other texts or events/related issues
The Yellow Wallpaper is similar to The Chrysanthemums because of the oppression of women. Women are characters meant to be put in the background. These stories give some insight into the importance of equality (Gilman).
Perplexing parts
Her husband controls every the food she eats, the amount of fresh air she receives, exercise she gets, and even what rooms she can enter. It seems that this would be counter-productive. Limiting freedoms can cause a depression in itself (Gilman).
Supporting ideas
As she rubs and destroys the wallpaper that binds her to the room she mentally escapes the grasp of her husband and sister-in-law. She is trapped within the wallpaper trying to find a way out (Gilman).
Author’s point of view/ attitude that affects material
The author is empowered and determined to help herself through her emotional struggle. She wants to help others overcome struggles they may have (Gilman).
Works Cited
Gilman, Charlotte Perkins 2012, Allegory and Symbolism: The Yellow Wallpaper.
Steinbeck, John 2012, Allegory and Symbolism: The Chrysanthemums.