Free Essay: The Odor of Chrysanthemums :: Chrysanthemums Essays

The Odor of Chrysanthemums The locomotive engine may be symbolic of Walter. It is an overwhelming thing, strong and powerful, the centering that Walter is a huge part of her life. However, it is also impersonable and cold, just as her relationship to her husband is. Her moments with her husband, like the winding engine are hurried with brief pauses (2113). Lawrence describes their occasion as an exchanging of nakedness, but without any real connection for long periods of time. The color reddened seems to symbolize death. The beginning of the story presents the pit bank with flames like red sores like its ashy sides (2111). However, death is non presented as a dreadful thing in this story. In the end, death is freedom for Elizabeth. Even John says, I do think its beautiful 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 beauty of passing on to the afterlife. When Elizabeth goes to look f or her husband, there, again, is The red smear of the burning pit bank on the night (2117). Finally, she lays her dead husband on the old red tablecloth (2121). D. H. Lawrences parents did not have 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 affectionateness 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 living? Elizabeth is questioning the reason for living. Particularly, she is wondering at her own existence. Her life seems to have no significance and she does not connect with any one, especially her husband. I have been fighting a husband 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.