English Comp II: John Steinbeck: The Chrysanthemums

"The Chrysanthemums" is a story that takes place on the ranch of Henry Allen. The story opens with Elisa, Henry's wife, working in her garden. While she does this, Henry is talking to some business men about some cattle he sold. When they leave, he speaks to his wife, and tells her he wants to take her out on the town to celebrate the sell of the cattle. Henry returns to work, and Elisa returns to tending to her Chrysanthemums. After some time, a wagon drives up. The gentleman driving is in the business of tinkering, fixing things in order to earn his living. He and Elisa have a special connection for a few moments, and as he leaves he says he will take some flowers to a woman down the road who wanted some chrysanthemums. After he leaves, he dumps the flowers on the side of the road. Elisa and her husband go to town.