Chrysanthemums

The chrysanthemums play a very significant role throughout the story. As Elisa's character changes, so do the flowers. They share a lot of similarities with Elisa. The strong bitter smell that the flowers emit, mimic Elisa's demeanor towards others. Although she doesn't seem to be unfriendly, when she speaks with the salesman she remains reserved and uninterested. Also like the flowers she is protected and sheltered at her ranch. Yet, when her guard is let down and she lets a stranger cross her gate and enter her personal space both she and the flowers suffer greatly. She has very little contact with those around her and protects herself underneath layers of clothing. As the story progresses the chrysanthemums parallel Elisa's experiences. When the peddler breaks down Elisa's tough shell, she sheds her unnecessary layers of clothing. As she gains trust in the peddler she gifts him her prized possession (the chrysanthemums) just like she had "given" him her excess clothing. The peddler manages to make a profit and deceive Elisa. When she realizes her mistake, it is too late and she cannot undo the damage. While she showers she tries to scrub the incident from her memory, but to no success. Later, she discovers the discarded chrysanthemums and feels used. They, much like her, are stripped of their protection (inside the pot) and are left to on their own like useless items at the side of the peddler's route.

A Clean, Well-Lighted Place

A Clean Well-Lighted Place like many of John Steinbeck stories comment on human, and social behavior. The two waiters each have their own opinion about the old man in the bar. While the older waiter is more understanding of the old man's desire to spend his time drinking at the bar instead of alone at home the young waiter is only concerned with going home. The old waiter understands that everyone at one point in their lives will be in the same position as the old man and tries to be patient. When one is able to find themselves in another they can more easily understand that other persons actions . On the other hand, the young waiter is restless and arrogantly assumes that because the old man is past his prime, his life is not as important. Just like many teens and young adults the young waiter is only concerned with his own problems and instant gratification. Steinbeck uses this character to convey how many young men and women are so wrapped up in their lives that little matters to them. Steinbeck also comments on the human need to interfere, just as the old man's niece's does when cutting down the old man. People many times interfere with others decisions or beliefs because they themselves are ethically uneasy with the choice they have made. Throughout the story the reader is subtly encouraged to place themselves in the place of each of the characters and to understand the different insecurities and challenges a person faces in different stages of their life. The young waiter is easily offended when his masculinity is challenged, the old waiter worries about becoming unneeded and losing his job, while the old man craves human companionship and a real social life.