What is the author's style in The Chrysanthemums by John Steinbeck?

"The Chrysanthemums" is told by a third-person narrator who reports clearly about the actions of the characters, but who cannot read their thoughts or their motivations. This limited third person narrator helps establish the mood of the story by recreating for the reader the experience of Elisa and Henry hearing each others' words but having to guess at their meanings. When the tinker praises the beauty of the chrysanthemums, the narrator does not step forward to explain that he is being insincere; the reader must discover his deceit as Elisa discovers it. And when Henry tries to find the words to please Elisa and explain himself, the reader shares Elisa's frustration at not being able to read his thoughts.