Final answer:
The garden and landscape in Steinbeck's description use symbolism to mirror the unspoken problems between the husband and wife, with the landscape's detailed imagery contrasting the vague portrayal of human figures, denoting emotional detachment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The garden and the landscape described by Steinbeck reveal the secret or unspoken problem between the husband and wife through symbolism. The detailed imagery of the landscape juxtaposed with the vague description of the human figures suggests a disconnect in perception and perhaps communication. The vivid but impersonal detail provided for the natural setting contrasts with the limited insight into the characters' inner worlds, symbolizing their emotional distance and internal strife. The natural world in the narrative is imbued with human characteristics, reflecting the characters' emotions and the underlying tensions in their relationship. Thus, this use of detailed descriptions to represent unspoken issues is not just immersive but also serves a deeper narrative purpose.