East of Eden

John Steinbeck's story centers on two generations of the Hamilton and Trask families. "East of Eden" is essentially a modern-day 'Cain and Abel' tale corresponding the Biblical conflict to two generations of two sets of brothers, Charles and Adam Trask, and Adam's sons Aron and Caleb Trask. "The Trasks were his 'symbol people,'" Steinbeck insisted, "and their story was one about how one lives with human suffering" (Summary pg).

Cyrus, the Trask patriarch, favored Adam over his other son Charles, which led to lifelong conflict and an adulterous affair between Charles and Adam's bride, Cathy, who represents Eve in Steinbeck's 'Cain and Abel' tale. The Biblical correlation continues into the next generation of Trasks with Adam's treatment of his twin sons Aron and Caleb, favoring Aron over Cal and creating great suffering for Cal and drama for the entire family (Steinbeck 2003).

Whether good or evil, the...
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