Abstract. Through a detailed analysis of John Steinbeck's "Chrysanthemums", this article aims to open a new chapter in Freud's hysterical criticism of Steinbeck's works. "The Chrysanthemums" is undoubtedly the literary version of Freudian views and observations on hysteria and hysterical patients, especially in The Chrysanthemums, John Steinbeck uses an abundance of symbolism to further the themes, plot and meaning of the new. Elisa: The protagonist, Elisa, is the symbol of every woman.