What could be a thesis statement for a film adaptation of John Steinbeck's "The Chrysanthemums"?

John Steinbeck’s famous short story “The Chrysanthemums” might easily provide the basis for a successful short film. The story has a lucid plot, memorable characters, an interesting setting, and intriguing symbolism. An effective thesis for an essay about turning this story into a film might read as follows:

One aspect of John Steinbeck’s short story “The Chrysanthemums” that could be effectively suggested in a film is the theme of growing old, both literally and figuratively – a theme that might be conveyed in a film through the use of various kinds of symbolism.

Aging, or growing old, is a frequent topic of the story. In fact, the opening sentence of the story establishes a wintertime setting, and of course winter is often presented as the end of the “life-cycle” of any given year. Likewise, old age is often thought of as the “winter” of one’s life, and so it is not surprising that this story takes place in wintertime, since the story’s main character, in the very final sentence of the work, is described as “crying weakly--like an old woman.” Thus the story actually begins and ends with both symbolic and literal allusions to aging. In between the story’s first and final sentences, many references to aging occur, including the following:

• At one point, the narrator says of Elisa that

She was cutting down the old year's chrysanthemum stalks with a pair of short and powerful scissors.

This sentence raises the symbolic possibility of renewing something by reversing the process of aging. Of course, human beings cannot literally reverse the aging process, but they can for various reasons feel renewed and rejuvenated, and this is what happens (at least briefly) to Elisa in this story.

• Later the narrator says of Elisa that she

took off a glove and put her strong fingers down into the forest of new green chrysanthemum sprouts that were growing around the old roots.

Once again, the symbolic possibility of renewal is suggested here.

Literal and symbolic references to aging and to being “old” can be found throughout the story, and so can literal and symbolic references to renewal and rejuvenation. A film based on this story might therefore want to highlight, through its general imagery and close-up photography, such symbols of aging and of youth, of growing old and of feeling young.

Early allusions in the story to aging and growing old all help to foreshadow the final sentence of the work, and it is easy to imagine how, in a film, Elisa might be presented as a weak and weeping old woman.

What is a possible thesis statement for an essay on "The Chrysanthemums" by John Steinbeck?

Coming up with a thesis statement for John Steinbeck's "The Chrysanthemums"—or any piece of literature—is a process in and of itself. A thesis statement is basically a position you are arguing using evidence found within the text (as well as independent research, depending on the type of essay). Often, these statements evolve during the writing process. One of the best ways to approach an assignment such as this is to look at which topics you would like to discuss. For example, you can look at Elisa's dissatisfaction with her stagnated life at the ranch.

Once you have a topic, you can begin putting together a basic thesis statement. Let's use the example from above. Throughout the story, Steinbeck portrays Elisa as wanting more out of life. Through her interaction with the tinker, one gets the impression that her marriage lacks passion. Additionally, during their conversation she contemplates life as a female traveler. Elisa's lack of satisfaction causes her to act out, both in her work at the ranch as well as with the bearded tinker. Using this general information, we can form an early thesis statement:

In "The Chrysanthemums," John Steinbeck explores Elisa’s dissatisfaction with her stagnating home life.

The above statement is in no way refined, but it gives us a starting point. In order to narrow it down, let us look at a few specific examples of Elisa's behavior from the story.

• While gardening, she uses "a pair of short and powerful scissors" in an "over-eager, over-powerful" manner.
• She "destroyed" pests that were harmful to her plants by hand.
• When the tinker first arrives, she fends off his requests for work. However, as soon as he asks about the Chrysanthemums, Elisa's pride in her work and talents leads her not only to change her composure, but to invite the stranger inside the fence.
• During this encounter, Elisa discusses her “planting hands” in a clearly sexual manner. When the tinker replies with a sexual comment about being in his wagon at night, she continues the metaphor, going as far as reaching out to touch his leg.
• When discussing life as a traveler, she says, "I wish women could do such things."
• When she is cleaning up to get ready to go out to dinner, she "scrubbed herself with a little block of pumice...until her skin was scratched and red."
• After this encounter with the tinker, Elisa’s husband notices that she looks “different, strong and happy.”

These examples showcase Elisa’s lack of satisfaction and desire for a more meaningful life. Her apparent sexual frustration leads her to engage in behavior that almost feels like an affair. When gardening, she is anything but delicate with her work, going as far as destroying harmful pests by hand (contrast this with her discussion about not wanting to see the fights).

With all of this in mind, we can craft a more concise thesis statement:

In his short story, “The Chrysanthemums,” John Steinbeck explores Elisa’s frustration with her stagnated existence. The introduction of the traveling tinker represents the possibility of a more exciting and fulfilling life, leading her to act out in unexpected and erratic ways.

One final thought: when creating your own thesis statement, you’ll want to make sure you understand your chosen topic enough to be able to explain it in-depth. It can be very difficult to create a strong and cohesive thesis if you do not understand how your evidence relates to your chosen topic.

An analytical essay of a short story is often approached as an examination of how the techniques the author uses work to create meaning or develop a theme in the story.

For example, the setting of "The Chrysanthemums" is important because it helps with the characterization of Elisa. Elisa lives a rural life that requires a good deal of self-sufficiency, independence, and strength. A thesis to develop a paper on the relationship between setting and characterization could read like this: Though farm life has made Elisa strong, resourceful, and self-sufficient, isolation in the country makes her vulnerable to the casual cruelty of the tinker.

An essay with this thesis would provide the latitude to analyze how and why a capable and beautiful woman could be hurt by someone whom she doesn't know and is unlikely to meet again.

The basic writing prompt is fairly wide open.  The analytical essay only needs to be about "The Chrysanthemums."  That allows you the freedom to choose the direction for your analysis.  I recommend doing a character analysis or a theme analysis.  Between the two, I would choose theme because that allows you to analyze characters who illustrate the theme.  The themes of dissatisfaction and/or isolation work well with this story.  

Once you have picked the general topic that you want to write about, you need to narrow it down to a specific thesis statement.  Remember, a thesis statement is going to make an argument that the body of the essay attempts to prove.  A good thesis is not a statement of fact.  Then there is nothing to argue and prove.

I recommend two thesis formats.  The first is essentially a "statement, example(s)" format.  A possible thesis regarding this story that fits this format might be something like the following: "The theme of dissatisfaction is prevalent throughout the story and is most seen in Elisa and Henry." 

The other thesis format I recommend is a "point and rebuttal" format.  Your main argument is actually the rebuttal.  The first point of the thesis statement is something you intend to disprove.  Start this thesis format with the word "although" because it forces a dependent clause that must be followed up with the rebuttal written as an independent clause. An example could be: "Although Elisa's dissatisfaction contributes to her actions, her isolation is more to blame than anything else."

All three of your suggestions will work for a thesis statement in John Steinbeck's "The Chrysanthemums."

You might want to form a thesis statement showing how symbolism enhances the imagery in the short story. If this doesn't prove to be enough for the length of your essay, you could add other figurative language that enhances the imagery of the short story.