Answer
In John Steinbeck's short story, "The Chrysanthemums," Elisa, the protagonist, is characterized at first as a woman who find pleasure in what she does on her husband's ranch. She especially loves her garden, particularly her chrysanthemums.
She is described as as follows:
Her face was lean and strong and her eyes were as clear as water.
The reader gets the sense that she is an attractive woman, but it is difficult to get a better sense of her physical stature as she is dressed in bulky gardening clothes, with a hat one, and an apron for her tools. She is serious about her work, and the house and yard reflects her efforts.hope this is helpful!