The Red Pony, The Chrysanthemums and Flight John Steinbeck | Coleman’s Notes® Student Guide

Explore three of John Steinbeck’s memorable shorter works with this comprehensive Coleman’s Notes® Student Guide to The Red Pony, The Chrysanthemums and Flight.

Together, these works provide an excellent introduction to Steinbeck’s distinctive treatment of growing up, disappointment, isolation, identity, violence, nature and the harsh realities of life in rural California.

The Red Pony follows young Jody Tiflin through a series of experiences that challenge his childhood assumptions about life, responsibility, loss and adulthood. The Chrysanthemums centres on Elisa Allen and explores emotional frustration, gender expectations, isolation and unfulfilled potential. Flight tells the darker story of Pepe Torres and his sudden transition from youthful irresponsibility to a brutal struggle for survival.

By studying the three works together, readers can see recurring Steinbeck concerns from different perspectives and explore the ways in which setting, symbolism, character and natural imagery contribute to his writing.

Inside this guide

• Detailed introduction to all three works
• Extended plot summaries
• Section-by-section and story analysis
• Major character studies
• Character relationships
• Key themes and ideas
• Coming of age and loss of innocence
• Isolation and loneliness
• Gender and identity
• Responsibility and maturity
• Violence, death and survival
• Nature and the Californian landscape
• Dreams, disappointment and frustrated ambition
• Symbolism and imagery
• Steinbeck’s narrative methods and writing style
• Historical and social context
• Important quotations with analysis
• Comparative links between the three works
• Essay-writing guidance
• Essay and discussion questions
• Revision and quick-recall material

Ideal for

Students studying John Steinbeck or American Literature, teachers, tutors, independent learners and readers wanting to explore Steinbeck's shorter fiction in greater depth.

Format: Digital Student Guide
Delivery: PDF download
Series: Coleman’s Notes® Student Guide Series
Author studied: John Steinbeck
Individual price: £7.95

Steinbeck Collection — £34.95

This guide is also available as part of the Coleman’s Notes® Steinbeck Collection:

The Grapes of Wrath
The Pearl
The Red Pony, The Chrysanthemums and Flight
Of Mice and Men
Cannery Row

Five comprehensive Coleman’s Notes® Student Guides — Collection price £34.95