Setting in the Chrysanthemums
...r interruption comes cluttering up to country road toward the Allen Ranch. This time it comes in the form of a worn wagon, drawn by two mismatched horses, and a large rugged man sitting behind the reins. Elisa appears to be somewhat static as she introduces herself to the peddler, making it known that he is drawing her away from her duties. But the peddler, who is just trying to find something to fix-up for money, sparks a vigor in Elisa, and she suddenly gains interest in everything he says, as benign as it may be. This peddler, who merely altered Elisa’s routine, has immediately altered her life. The change in routine is the first in many years for her, and Elisa lusts at the opportunity to delve further into conversation with the peddler. The peddler inquires about her flowers, which Henry does not seem to be very concerned with, saying “I wish you’d work in the orchard and raise some apples that big.” After dealing with a man who has no concern in life but the bettering of his own dwellings, it is quite obvious why Elisa thrusts herself into conversation with a man, whom she would never bring herself to talk to under normal circumstances. Elisa is so engaged in the man, that she offers him Chrysanthemum sprouts to pass on to another customer. She excitedly explains how to care for them on his journey, but catches herself becoming too involved in the conversation when “her breasts swelled passionately” toward the peddler in the midst of the conversation. When this occurs, the reader catches a glimpse of the passion Elisa has for her hobby, which has remained buried in routine until now. She seems sad as the peddler departs whisper...