The Chrysanthemums

Multiple Choice and Long Answer questions create ideal opportunities for whole-text review, unit exam, or summative assessments.

Multiple Choice

1. Which plot scenario best confirms that Elisa has been manipulated by the Tinker?

A) The Tinker asks her about her chrysanthemums.

B) Elisa sees the “dark speck” on the road while driving into town.

C) The Tinker asks an exorbitant price for fixing the pots.

D) Elisa finds herself kneeling before the Tinker “like a fawning dog.” (Paragraph 75)

2. Which statement best describes Elisa’s feelings toward the Tinker?

A) She envies his freedom, characterized by a life on the road.

B) She is sexually attracted to him and wants to run away with him.

C) She worries about the dangers he faces as a solo traveler.

D) She regards him suspiciously, assuming he is trying to exploit her.

3. Which of the following excerpts is the strongest example of the theme of Dissatisfaction?

A) “Her eyes sharpened. ‘Maybe I could do it, too. I’ve a gift with things, all right.’” (Paragraph 13)

B) “‘No,’ she said shortly. ‘I tell you I have nothing like that for you to do.’” (Paragraph 47)

C) “Her upper lip raised a little, showing her teeth. ‘How do you know? How can you tell?’ she said.” (Paragraph 84)

D) “Nice? You think I look nice? What do you mean by ‘nice’?” (Paragraph 100)

4. What aspect of the short story does the arrival of the Tinker introduce?

A) Conflict

B) Irony

C) Setting

D) Point of View

5. In what significant way are Henry Allen and the Tinker similar?

A) They both find Elisa beautiful and fun to be around.

B) They are both doing what they can to survive the impacts of the Great Depression.

C) They both believe Elisa is not living up to her potential.

D) They both have a limited view of Elisa’s capabilities.

6. What technique is used in the first paragraph to describe the setting?

A) Simile

B) Euphemism

C) Paradox

D) Metonymy

7. Which of the following best states what the chrysanthemums symbolize?

A) Freedom

B) Elisa

C) Dissatisfaction

D) Sexual Fulfillment

8. Where does Henry initially offer to take Elisa to celebrate?

A) The movies

B) Bowling

C) The fights

D) The pool hall

9. How is Elisa characterized?

A) Demure and reclusive

B) Strong and stubborn

C) Passionate and impulsive

D) Over-eager and over-powerful

10. For which road was the Tinker looking?

A) Los Angeles highway

B) Salinas highway

C) Pacific Crest highway

D) Los Alamos highway

Long Answer

Compose a response of 2-3 sentences, incorporating text details to support your response.

1. Why does Elisa “cry weakly—like an old woman” on the way to town? (Paragraph 122)

2. Why does Elisa’s behavior toward her husband, Henry, change after her encounter with the Tinker?