Note taking on a literary work

Figure. Word document with student’s notes on the short story “Chrysanthemums.” Title of Word document: Notes on “Chrysanthemums” Student’s notes: Eliza’s gardening clothes—“clodhopper” shoes and a dress “covered by a big corduroy apron”—not very feminine. The words “strong,” “strength,” “power,” and “powerful” pop up in connection with Eliza and her gardening. Why? Conversation with pots-and-pans repairman about growing chrysanthemums is sexually charged—“Her breast swelled passionately.” Is she attracted to the traveling repairman or just his way of life? She envies his freedom to sleep outdoors in his wagon: “I wish women could do such things.” Bathtub scene after repairman leaves—awakened sexuality, romance. What do chrysanthemums symbolize? Beauty? Femininity? Source of pride? Strength? All of these? Eliza sees chrysanthemums tossed into a ditch. Disillusion.