Many times an individual goes though an experience or lives their entire life in which they feel they are trapped and hopelessly committed to a situation. A clear example of this exact situation is brought forth in John Steinbeck's "Chrysanthemums" in which a lady by the name of Elisa is living an a situation that leaves her feeling trapped and hopeless in the daily life in which she leads (1058-65). In the story of "Chrysanthemums" the tone of hopelessness is revealed through the use of language: specifically, diction, symbols, repetition, and figurative language.
Diction is one of the main elements of language unveiled in the story of "Chrysanthemums" supporting the tone of hopelessness. Within this language element of diction word repetition is used continuously throughout the story to illustrate the tone of hopelessness. For example, the word pale is used early to describe the sunshine as well as the hillside, which sets the tone for a dark feel to begin the story (1058-59). The word good is also repeated in the story a number of times. Elisa's husband Henry states that "It would be good for both of us" referring to into town more often, supporting the idea that there is a tone of entrapment or hopelessness on their farm (1064). Also in the beginning of the story when this idea of going into town for the evening is brought up by Henry, Elisa replies that the idea is "good" repeatedly reiterating this same notion (1059). Within this element of diction there is a connotative reference to the word "strong" brought forth toward the end of the story in which Elisa's husband Henry remarks that she looks "strong and happy." She questions this statement, and once he elaborates she accepts the description. Yet almost immediately following this brief exchange she begins to weep, hiding this from her husband (1064-1065). Such a display of emotion simply supports the tone of this being a despairing situation she is in.
