* Physical Description: Steinbeck provides a vivid description of Elisa's appearance, highlighting her strength and vitality. He emphasizes her strong, capable hands, her "powerful body", and her "sharp, strong features". This physical description sets the stage for a woman who is both strong and restrained.
* Actions and Dialogue: Elisa's actions and dialogue reveal her inner desires and frustrations. She takes pride in her gardening, tending to her chrysanthemums with meticulous care. However, she also expresses a deep longing for something more, yearning for a sense of purpose and fulfillment that her life in the Salinas Valley doesn't provide.
* Thoughts and Feelings: Through Elisa's internal monologues, Steinbeck reveals her desires, insecurities, and longing for connection. Her thoughts about the tinker and her desire for him to appreciate her chrysanthemums illustrate her need for validation and recognition.
* Other Characters' Perceptions: The way other characters perceive Elisa, particularly her husband Henry, contributes to our understanding of her character. Henry's loving but somewhat oblivious nature highlights Elisa's unspoken needs and the frustrations she experiences within her marriage.
* Symbolism: The chrysanthemums themselves act as a symbol of Elisa's strength and creativity, but also her vulnerability and loneliness. They represent her potential and the beauty she longs to share with the world.
Overall, Steinbeck uses a combination of these techniques to create a complex and nuanced portrait of Elisa, highlighting her strength, vulnerability, and yearning for a richer and more fulfilling life.