John Steinbeck's work, The Chrysanthemums, was published in 1938 in a book of short stories entitled The Long Valley. Chrysanthemums has been quite a powerful draw for researchers due to the wide variation in interpretation and analysis of its main character, Elisa Allen, as well as the unique descriptions used to depict the deeper meaning of the story's setting. The themes of sexuality, the oppression of women, as well as many other types of conflicts depicted in this rather dark short story, have made it a popular study among academics and students. Steinbeck also uses literary elements including dramatic tone, rich symbolism, and personification that increase the feeling and value of the story exponentially. Steinbeck received critical acclaim for his portrayal of the "common man" through his ability to illustrate in a "realistic, symbolism-rich style" the essence of life in the 1930s (Price, Victoria). The setting of the story is unique because it has a direct connection to the author; Salinas, California is the birthplace of Steinbeck (Millichap, Joseph R). Here is the first incarnation of the dramatic tone of the story as well as the description of the characters; which sets the stage for the symbolism, personification, and dramatic tone for the rest of the story. The description of the setting is unique and important because of its symbolic representations of the conflict between the characters but also Elisa's interpersonal conflict. The story opens with a panoramic view of the Salinas Valley in winter, shrouded in fog. The Valley being “closed” from the rest of the world is a symbolic representation of how Elisa feels about her life. However, the weather in the valley awaits change...... middle of paper ......ysanthemums. All these literary elements help to shape the story and represent the common man" thanks to Steinbeck's ability to depict in a "realistic and symbolism-rich style" the essence of life in the 1930s (Price, Victoria) . Works Cited Ditsky, John. "A Kind of Play: Dramatic Elements in Steinbeck's 'The Chrysanthemums'." Wascana Review 21.1 (Spring 1986): 62-72. Rep. in News Criticism. Ed. Anja Barnard and Anna Sheets-Nesbitt. Flight. 37. Detroit: Gale Group, 2000. Information Resource Center. Internet. December 6, 2011.Millichap, Joseph R. “Biography of John Steinbeck.” Critical Insights: The Grapes of Wrath. Ed. Keith Newlin. 1 vol. Salem Press, 2010. Salem Literary Web. December 11, 2011 Price, Victoria. “Chrysanthemums”. Master intrigues. Fourth edition. Ed. Laurence W. Mazzeno, 4th ed. Salem Press, 2010. Salem Literary Web. December 6. 2011.