Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums by John Steinbeck

Prereading: none
Plot/Reaction: Summary of Story
Questions: Two Questions you have
Quotes: One significant quote

Plot: Elisa Allen lives on ranch with her husband, Henry. Elisa is very talented when it comes to growing and tending chysanthemums, so you could say she has a green thumb. Henry sold his cattle and wants to celebrate by taking Elisa out to dinner and a movie, but first he has some work to do. Elisa is working on her chrysanthemums when a run-down and homely wagon pulls up he driveway, carrying a bargainer. He tells her that he will sharpen knives and scissors and can also fix broken pots. She tells him that she has nothing that needs to be fixed, but she takes a small interest in the stranger. The man tells Elisa that he has a client who would love to grow chrysanthemums, so Elisa gets everything together so that this client could grow the chrysanthemums on her own. She tells the man all of the instructions and find a pot for him to fix, since she would feel guilty if he didn't get enough money for food that night. He finally leaves, and she starts to get ready for her night out with her husband. On the way into town, she drives by a bundle, her chrysanthemums.

Questions: Why would Elisa take a sudden interest in things that she disliked?
Why was Elisa ashamed of her planter's hands when she created such
beautiful chrysanthemums?

Quote: "She felt ashamed of her strong planter's hands, that were no use, lying palms up in her lap."