As we've already mentioned elsewhere in this section (see "Marriage"), in "The Odour of Chrysanthemums," Lawrence is constantly referring to characters by their role in the family rather than their names. Why? Well, we're not entirely sure, but apparently we're really supposed to be paying attention to the fact that these people are members of a family. This emphasis seems particularly odd given the fact that the Bateses don't seem to be a particularly happy bunch; no one seems to get an inordinate amount of pleasure or satisfaction from being a mother, daughter, or son . . .
Questions About Family
- Why does Lawrence emphasize family dynamics in a group of people who seem totally disconnected and out of touch with each other?
- How do you think Elizabeth views her relationship with her children? Does it matter? If so, why?
- Elizabeth and her father have a weird interaction toward the beginning of the story, in which he seems to indicate he might remarry (and Elizabeth is none too happy about it). What does this moment do for the story as a whole? Why is it there?
- What role do the Rigleys play in the story's larger treatment of family?
Chew on This
The story emphasizes family relationships rather than individual characteristics to make the point that life is more about playing social roles than actual connections between individuals.
The story emphasizes family relationships to provide a counterpoint to Elizabeth's sense, at the end of the story, that connections between people isn't possible.