Why does elisa ask about the fights

As the tinker works, she asks him if he sleeps in the wagon. She says she wishes women could live the kind of life he does.

After paying him fifty cents, she says that she can do the same work he does. He says his life would be lonesome and frightening for a woman. Before he leaves, she reminds him to keep the sand around the chrysanthemums damp. For a moment, he seems to forget that she gave him the flowers. Elisa watches the wagon trundle away, whispering to herself.

She goes into the house and bathes, scrubbing her skin with pumice until it hurts. Then she examines her naked body in the mirror, pulling in her stomach and pushing out her chest, then observing her back. She dresses in new underwear and a dress and does her hair and makeup. Henry comes home and takes a bath. Elisa sets out his clothes and then goes to sit on the porch. When Henry emerges, he says that she looks nice, sounding surprised.

Elisa loses her composure for a moment and then agrees with him. Elisa thinks that he could have at least disposed of them off the road, and then realizes he had to keep the pot. She says she is looking forward to dinner. Henry says she is different again, but then says kindly that he should take her out more often. They are like the children that she hasn't, she handles the chrysanthemums with love and care , just as she would handle her own children. Elisa is very protective of her flowers and places a wire fence around them.

She makes sure no bugs or worms are there, "Her terrier fingers destroy such pests before they can get started". Also, the chrysanthemums symbolize Elisa's femininity and sexuality, her soft and delicate character. Like Elisa the chrysanthemums are lovely and strong. When the tinker notices the chrysanthemums, Elisa brightens, just as if he had noticed her instead.

She offers the chrysanthemums to him at the same time she offers herself, both of which he ignores and tosses aside. His rejection of the flowers also mimics the way society has rejected women as nothing more than mothers and housekeepers. Just like her, the flowers are unimportant , both are decorative and add little value to the world. In the end, the chrysanthemums represent the repressed feelings and desires of Elisa.

Posted by Anisa. Anonymous December 3, at PM. Newer Post Older Post Home. Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent.

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