Free Essay: The Odor of Chrysanthemums :: Chrysanthemums Essays

The look of Chrysanthemums The locomotive engine may be symbolic of Walter. It is an overwhelming thing, starchy and powerful, the way that Walter is a huge part of her life. However, it is also impersonable and c mature, just as her relationship to her maintain is. Her moments with her husband, like the winding engine ar locomote with brief pauses (2113). Lawrence describes their intimacy as an exchanging of nakedness, notwithstanding without any real connective for long periods of time. The color red seems to symbolize destruction. The beginning of the story presents the netherworld bank with flames like red sores like its ashy sides (2111). However, death is not presented as a dreadful thing in this story. In the end, death is freedom for Elizabeth. Even John says, I do think its pretty-pretty to look in the fire . . . . Its so red, and full of little caves-- and it feels so nice (2114). In a way, he is commenting on the mystery and peach tree of passing on to the afte rlife. When Elizabeth goes to look for her husband, there, again, is The red smear of the burning twin bank on the night (2117). Finally, she lays her dead husband on the old red tablecloth (2121). D. H. Lawrences parents did not progress to a good marriage. They probably did not know each other well before their marriage, as they were ill-suited for each other. The Bates do not really know one another they are married but strangers. Lawrences father was an abusive alcoholic. Walter Bates frequents the public house. Characters Elizabeth Bates stifled, long-suffering, distant but caring with her family. John Bates curious, headstrong. Walter Bates Insensitive, absent. Was this what it all meant--utter, intact separateness, obscured by the heat of sustenance? Elizabeth is questioning the reason for living. Particularly, she is wondering at her own existence. Her life seems to have no meaning and she does not connect with any one, especially her husband. I have been fighting a husb and who did not exist . . .and her soul died in her for fear. Walter did exist, but not as a true husband to her, nor she a true wife to him.