John Steinbeck is one of the most successful prize winning writers in the twentieth century. He has become a household name as his works of literature are still popular to this day. He has a "skill with which the themes, symbols and moral vision are expressed... and ensure his place with the best writers of his generation" (McCarthy 392). A few of his stories, such as "The Chrysanthemums" examines the "psychology and sexuality of strong women who must somehow express themselves meaningfully within the narrow possibilities open to women in a man's world." (Mitchell 517). Self-identity is an important focal point for the main character, Elisa Allen. She must endure the pain of hiding who she really is, "brilliantly exposing mankind's 'grievous faults and failures' while reminding us of our forgotten commitments and dreams" (McCarthy 392).

The setting of a story is important to induce a sense of feeling for the...