Free Essay: The Odor of Chrysanthemums :: Chrysanthemums Essays

The Odor of Chrysanthemums The locomotive locomotive engine may be exemplary of Walter. It is an overwhelming thing, strong and powerful, the way that Walter is a huge part of her life. However, it is similarly impersonable and cold, just as her relationship to her married man is. Her moments with her husband, like the winding engine are hurried with brief pauses (2113). Lawrence describes their intimacy as an exchanging of nakedness, but without all real connection for long periods of time. The color red seems to symbolize death. The outset of the story presents the pit bank with flames like red sores like its ash-grey 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 beautiful to look in the fire . . . . Its so red, and plentiful 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 Elizab eth goes to look for her husband, there, again, is The red abuse 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 full marriage. They probably did not know each other well ahead their marriage, as they were ill-suited for each other. The Bates do not really know peerless another they are married but strangers. Lawrences father was an abusive alcoholic. Walter Bates frequents the common 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 living? Elizabeth is questioning the reason for living. Particularly, she is wondering at her get existence. Her life seems to have no meaning and she does not connect with any(prenominal) 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.