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CHAPTER II THEORETICAL REVIEW
In this chapter the writer is going to discuss about three parts of discussion. The first discussion is about related studies to the author and the short
story , John Steinbeck and “The Chrysanthemum”. The second discussion is about
what theories are used by the writer in analyzing the short story. Some theories will be used for solving the problem. The writer is going to discuss about the main
character; Elisa Allen, and the chrysanthemum as a symbol of her life. The last discussion will be about theoretical framework to give quick understanding to the
readers about what will the writer analyzed in the next chapter.
A. Review of Related Studies
1. “The Chrysanthemums: A Study of Woman’s Sexuality” by E Elizabeth
McMahan-Universal Journal the Association of Young Journalists and Writers.
In finding the topic related to this research, the symbols in John Steinbeck‟s “The Chrysanthemum”, the writer has found the related studies by Elizabeth
McMahan . Her study entitled “John Steinbeck‟s “The Chrysanthemum: A Study
of Woman‟s Sexuality”.
In her study, she tries to analyze the description that Steinbeck used in describing the major character; Elisa Allen. She starts analyze the charactes of the
story, major and minor characters;
Elisa Allen and Henri Allen. She said that Elisa is a frustated woman whose desire as a woman does not fulfilled well by her husband. According to
McMahan, “The Chrysanthemums” is a form of woman‟s frustation from her unfulfilled needs. Because of her husband treatments towards her, she feels like
she did not get what she really needed as a woman and as a wife. As Elizabeth E. McMahan asserts in her essay “„The Chrysanthemums‟:
Study of a Woman‟s Sexuality,” Elisa is prompted to contain this energy because of a “distinct lack of rapport” between the couple, a rapport that
should go beyond the “mutual respect” they have for each other in their business of maintaining a farm. Sexual tension is especially evident as
Henry struggles to compliment his wife on her appearance. He stammers as if he is
unsure of how to react to Elisa‟s efforts to enhance her femininity, for she takes time to methodically apply her make-up and
select the dress that is “the symbol of her prettiness”. Unfortunately, the only word Henry can muster is “nice,” a comment he defines in terms of
Elisa‟s apparent “strength” and “happiness”—not her beauty: “You look strong enough to break a calf over your knee, happy enough to eat it like
a watermelon” Steinbeck 11. Most women would not consider this statement flattering; and,
according McMahan, it isn‟t surprising that Elisa yearns for romance and has a profound hunger to be admired as a
woman. McMahan, 1968: 453-458
2. “The Chrysanthemums: A Woman Bound by Society” by Stanley
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