East of Eden was a novel that explored the roots of evil in its most primal form. Through intricate plot lines and complex characters, John Steinbeck weaved a tale of brutality, cruelty, and isolation. One important character that helped to illustrate the presence of evil throughout the book was Cathy Ames, an intelligent woman who ruthlessly used other people to serve her own needs. When reflecting upon East of Eden, a debate that often surfaces is whether Cathy's evil was a result of nature or nurture. Arguments for and against both sides are in the book. At some times, Cathy is portrayed as a wicked fiend who's aggression stems from nowhere but her own empty heart. Other times, Cathy appears weak and afraid of people who aren't the least bit intimidating. Those are the moments in the book where one must question whether Cathy is truly evil, or just an impatient and self-centered individual.
“I believe there are monsters born in the world . . . misshapen and horrible . . . accidents and no one’s fault . . . punishments for concealed sins . . . [their] face and body may be perfect . . . ” but they are the product of “a twisted gene or a malformed egg . . . ” (71). Literature, throughout history, has conveyed a plethora of themes, ranging from the struggle to understand divine intervention, to adversity, to the dramatization of life and death. One of the most prestigious and conventional of these themes is the conflict betwixt good and evil. Demonstrated through many works of literary merit, this divergence intensely sears the pages of history dating as far back as the Biblical story of Adam and Eve. Although this idea is deeply rooted in the past, its relevancy is not depleted, still serving as one of the most controversial topics known to man. Author John Steinbeck procured a fascination with this controversy, and ultimately produced his most ambitious work, East of Eden, to create a symbolic history that would possess significance for all. John Steinbeck’s East of Eden fundamentally captures the essence of the battle between good and evil through the dramatic use of symbolism, which insinuates the Biblical story of Adam and Eve, and the poisonous rivalry between their sons, Cain and Abel.
East of Eden by John Steinbeck is an optimistic film about a boy becoming a man and trying desperately to earn the love of his father and mother in the troubled times of the Great Depression. Cal, the main character is a troubled teen who lives with his entrepreneur father, and a brother who is following closely in his fathers steps. Cal’s mother left him and his brother to become a madam of a whorehouse. The struggle takes place between Cal and his father due to his fathers lack of compassion for his son. The conflict rises further when Cal tries to help his father repay a debt, his father further isolates his son and this turns to violent outbursts. Steinbeck focuses on Cal in order to suggest the theme that without love people become violent and mean.
Timshel; meaning “thou mayest”, holds a significant role in East of Eden. It shows that anyone can desire to surmount vile in their hearts and create morality within them self. In the novel, Steinbeck portrays the significance of timshel through the introduction of free will, the internal conflict of Caleb, and the blessing of Adam.
The novel East of Eden, by John Steinbeck, is set in the Salinas Valley in Northern California. East of Eden began by explaining the beautiful scenery during wet years. The narrator described everything from beautiful spring flowers to dusky live oaks. There was a certain 30 year cycle in the Salinas Valley. About six years would bring over two feet of rain which made the land rich and plentiful. After those years would come seven years with a foot of rain. Then the drought came where there were less than ten inches of rain. That drought affected the land dramatically causing cows to starve to death. The cycle always continued that way. The narrator spoke about how his grandfather brought his wife to the valley very briefly.
Throughout Steinbeck's novel East of Eden, he captures the idea of Timshel through different characters. Many believe that Timshel is left in open, giving the character the choice. Moreover, Timshel is actually planted in one, they either fight evil with Timshel or give into the dark side.
His basic routine is to wake up, go to work, eat and go to sleep. It is a specific routine he has and he is unable to break it. It is only until he meets Beth that she encourages him and gets him to try different things, but even then it is very difficult for Adam to break his routine. Beth also sets up a meeting for Adam, without him knowing, and her parents to meet. Adam finds out from Beth that her father had been legally accused of some fraud. When they meet Adam starts asking her father direct questions that are making Beth, her father and mother uncomfortable. Adam is unable to read their body language that shows discomfort with his questions. Beth is furious and later explains to Adam what has just occurred. Beth eventually forgives Adam for being indiscreet and they sleep together.
It’s represented through characters such as Adam himself, a representation of good. It’s shown within Charles, Cyrus, and worst: Cathy, who is compared to satan, monsters, and is stated to be the actual embodiment of evil. One demonstration of this is shown upon her introduction, “I believe that there are monsters born in the world to human parents.” The major battle of good vs. evil is shown within nature as “brooding” shadows seemed to encompass and cocoon the once, “light gay mountains full of sun and loveliness.” These battles are represented physically, but readers begin to understand that it’s also represented mentally within the quote above. Evil faces creativity, a vulnerable good, against the developing world which is the force of darkness, threatening to destroy the free will of the
Referring to Anon, he believes that “All conflict in literature is, in its simplest form, a struggle between good and evil.” —Anon What this essentially means is that in literature there is always good and evil but you struggle between being either or. This is a theme that is shown throughout Before We Were Free. There were multiple conflicts that took place in Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez. These conflicts were man vs society, man vs government and man vs group.
Throughout the book, East of Eden, John Steinbeck thoroughly portrays the main character, Adam, for who he truly is. Throughout Adams life, he is faced with several obstacles that shift his daily actions and concept of love. From birth, Adam was not given adequate love and attention, and while it may seem trite to an infant, it is crucial that they obtain the care they need in order to live up to their full potential as neglect may have many negative consequences on one’s mental wellbeing in the future. In one particular passage (page 22) Adams true emotions and viewpoint of the concept of love is clearly laid out in order for the reader to truly comprehend his emotions. Throughout the passage, tone, rhetorical questions, and logos are utilized