Depression and isolation of women in a male-dominated societyWomen faced discrimination not only in America in the early 20th century, but also today today. However, the reality of the situation tells us that it is not only the manipulative ways of men that contribute to these negative circumstances, but also the natural weakness of women themselves. In the story “The Chrysanthemums,” Steinbeck uses symbolism, setting, and conflict to demonstrate that women feel depressed and isolated in a male-dominated society. The symbolism of the story actually reveals the depression and isolation of women in a society where men rule and dominate. In history, one of the symbols used to represent the sensitivity and weakness of women is that of chrysanthemums themselves. The chrysanthemums are described as having stems that are too small and easy for Elisa's energy, which basically fits her character. As a weak and sensitive woman, she easily falls prey to the kindness shown by the stranger. Just like chrysanthemums that must be constantly transplanted and regularly cut, women like Elisa easily believe what men tell them, even if it is not necessarily true. Additionally, chrysanthemums are somewhat ridiculed by Harvey when he tells Elisa, "Some of those yellow chrysanthemums you had this year were ten inches across...I'd like you to work in the orchard and grow some apples as big” (Steinbeck). This line clearly shows that no matter how big the chrysanthemums are, they are basically useless. Likewise, women, during the famine times of the Great Depression and at the time when history was being written, were fundamentally lacking in usefulness. For example, Elisa is a "strong and capable woman", but she is "kept apart from the character...... middle of paper...... Through symbolism, setting and conflict, “The Chrysanthemums” depicts the truth of women's isolation and depression not only in early 20th century America, when Steinbeck wrote her novel, but also today. In the story, the symbolism of chrysanthemums and the way they are perceived by the male characters in the story somehow shows the dominance of men and their natural tendency to manipulate women. Additionally, the setting of the story somehow describes how isolated the Salinas Valley is from the rest of the world, which is rather symbolic of the isolation of women from the rest of free society . Finally, the conflict in the story, which concerns the lying and manipulative ways of the Tinkerer, somehow brings to mind the idea that men's bad manners and women's submission actually produce a reality of discrimination gender very difficult to change..