I'm writing an analytical essay on The Chrysanthemums by John Steinbeck. Please suggest a possible thesis statement.

All three of your suggestions will work for a thesis statement in John Steinbeck's "The Chrysanthemums."

You might want to form a thesis statement showing how symbolism enhances the imagery in the short story. If this doesn't prove to be enough for the length of your essay, you could add other figurative language that enhances the imagery of the short story.