Feminism, a movement promoting equal rights for women, was one of the most influential political ideas of the 19th century. Especially in the 1860s, women began to fight for rights. Because of this, some states soon began granting women rights, such as voting in local elections. In 1920, women finally gained advantages including owning property and attending college. John Steinbeck's short story, "The Chrysanthemums" portrays the author's views on feminism through the main character's realistic portrayal between being a strong woman and a traditional woman, while revealing notions of patriarchy, gender stereotypes and inequality. (Bloom, 2003) John Steinbeck was born in Salinas, California, on February 27, 1902. “It would be nice to say that the liberal and humane attitude Steinbeck achieved stability as a writer of fiction. Steinbeck, described as an American modernist writer, began writing in 1927. “During childhood, the writer attended public school in Salinas. A good student, interested in a wide variety of students.” (Lisca, 1978)Steinbeck's Californian background...