Final answer:
The garden and landscape in Steinbeck's 'The Chrysanthemums' symbolize the emotional distance and unfulfilled desires in the relationship between the husband and wife, representing their personal struggles and disconnect.
Step-by-step explanation:
In John Steinbeck's The Chrysanthemums, the garden and the surrounding landscape reflect the internal emotions and the troubled relationship between the husband and wife at the heart of the story.
The meticulous care Elisa puts into her garden represents her need for attention and her nurturing qualities, which seem to go unnoticed by her husband, Henry. The barren and empty landscape around their farm symbolizes the emotional void and disconnect between them.
Elisa's deep connection to her garden and the chrysanthemums signifies her untapped potential and longing for a more fulfilling existence, which contrasts starkly with Henry's practical, yet emotionally disconnected approach to life. Steinbeck uses the natural world to symbolize the characters' inner lives and the unresolved issues in their relationship.