1. Describe Henry. What characteristics give clues to his qualities as a husband?
2. How does Henry regard his wife, Elisa?
3. At the end of the story, if he knew Elisa were quietly crying how do you think he would react?
4. How do you think he should react?
5. If this statement is true: "Henry just doesn't get it.", what do doesn't Henry get?
6. Do you find any sexual symbolism?
7. What is the major theme of the story?

Group 2: The Women Look at the story from Elisa's point of view

1. Describe Elisa's hands. Why are her hands an important part of the story?
2. After telling the tinker she has not pots to fix, why does she bring him pots?
3. What do the chrysanthemums symbolize
4. What does the fence symbolize?
5. When Steinbeck describes the couple dressing, they dress exasperatedly. Elisa admires her own body, rather than her husband admiring her. What is significant about this part of the story?
6. If you find sexual symbolism, what symbols do you find?
7. If henry doesn't get it, what doesn't Elisa get?
8. What is the major theme of the story?

Everyone Consider these questions:

1. Look for symbolism in the story then look for its mirror image. Often writers will symbolize objects and then provide an opposite or a "reflection" of that symbol. List the symbolized objects, then find their counter part: for example the fog and rain in the story symbolize Elisa and Henry, as fog and rain do not mix, neither do Henry and Elisa.

2. In Gregory J. Palmerino's article on page 165 he says that the couple does not know how to fight. Explain what he means. Give examples of how the couple could fight fair.