How is symbolism used in The Chrysanthemums?

Elisa wears an apron with pockets that contain everything she needs. Her apron is a symbol of self-containment and represents a parallel to the peddler's wagon in which he both works and sleeps.

At one point in the story, Elisa is described as a "fawning dog", suggesting that the dog is a symbol for the domestic life of women.

The chrysanthemums have been interpreted as symbols of Elisa's sexuality, or childlessness, or artistic sensibility, and all of these connections make sense when looking at Elisa's connections to her husband or to society. It is also possible to look at the flowers as literal flowers, as signs of Elisa's connection with the natural world.