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East of Eden Analysis Questions
Citation preview
Nicole Khachikian
Pre AP English
8/27/12
East of Eden
World Connection Questions
1. In what ways do the events in the book reveal evidence of the
author’s worldview?
The novel explores the author’s thoughts on topics like love, hate, family,
war, society, nature, and lifestyle. Through Adam Trask we see the author
feels war is pointless and cruel, Adam seems to prefer exploring the world
and eventually settling down and making good use of his fortune rather than
killing people he does not know. We can see the author has a great
appreciation for nature through his detailed descriptions of the Salinas Valley.
The narrator seems to love his family dearly and even speaks highly of the
grandfather he hardly knew. The events in the novel reveal that the author
has a moral outlook on life and is surrounded by society’s influence.
2. According to this novel, what kind of behavior makes for lasting
human worth or human waste?
The novel East of Eden explores the relationship between good and evil and
shows that one does not necessarily have to be good to be respected. The
character Cathy or Kate is respected and feared because she makes her
cleverness clear. She does not trust anyone and keeps to herself; her
patience helps her succeed with her plans throughout the novel although her
overall motive is not quite clear for most of the story. Samuel Hamilton, a
kinder character, is respected for not his money or intelligence but for his
wisdom, charm, and success in raising his nine children. Cathy and Samuel
may be viewed as opposite characters but they both show how one might be
considered an important human being in society, both have human worth.
Human waste can be represented by Charles Trask. Charles does not live his
life to the fullest, no matter how comfortable he his financially he does not
seem to serve a purpose as a human being. Life goes on just the same
whether he farms on his land or dies and leaves his fortune to someone else.
3. What heroic ideal is implied by this novel? Describe it.
The heroic ideal in this novel is different in each environment John Steinbeck
explores. Adam’s father Cyrus, although a twisted and untruthful character, is
looked up to in Washington D.C. because of his supposed military past. However,
a military career may not be the most astounding past to have in a small town
like Salinas where children are not expected to finish school and should instead
work as farmers or find husbands; a school teacher is the most impressive
occupation a daughter could have because it shows that a person chose to
expand their knowledge in order to help others do the same. Overall there is one
main quality that in all settings of the book is thought to be a respectable thing
and that is to be wealthy. Like the quote from the novel: “He became rich
without pleasure and respected without friends” one did not have to be a good
human being to be respected in those times or perhaps even in the times we live
in now.
4. To what extent is the individual’s final outcome helped or hindered
by forces outside his/her control? In the novel are these influences
benignant (good), malignant (evil), or indifferent? What does this
convey about humanity and society? Explain.
The novel East of Eden consistently explores the idea of good versus evil and
the evil that is inside us. Cal battles the thought of being evil because it is in
his blood from his mother but the Trask’s wise servant reminds him that only
you have control over yourself. No matter what happens to a person it is their
ability to handle the situation and their reaction to it that really makes the
difference. In conclusion it seems like these influences are indifferent.
5. To what extent are the ideas expressed in the novel based on the
concept of a guiding tendency, force, spirit, or God in the universe?
If the author of the novel has implied such a force or being, what are
its attributes and what is its relationship to man? (If more than one
view seems to be expressed, describe each view and explain the
author’s apparent preference.)
Religion plays a large yet subtle role in the novel. Many characters are
greatly influenced by Christianity others by motivation and self-gain.
Characters like Mrs. Hamilton base their daily lives on the bible. In the
discussion between Samuel and Adam about what to name his twin boys,
they base their opinions on names on people who were named that before.
They think the person should live up to their name or become even greater
according to what biblical person had that name.
6. Explain one specific aspect of the culture described in the novel.
How does this compare to a specific culture with which you are
familiar?
A culture described in East of Eden would be society. Unlike most of the
characters in the story Cal and Aron have to live through their adolescence in
the city, they are ridiculed in school for their father’s failure. Society is
something that no matter the place or time period, everyone has to deal with
its influence.
7. Find one specific idea, event, or behavior in your novel that relates
to real life. Explain the relationship you see. What does this
illustrate about the 21st century world?
I believe that the idea of jealousy that John Steinbeck displays in this novel is
extremely realistic. It is easy for me to compare myself to Cal, although I do
not struggle with it as much as he does, I do deal with jealousy. This is
something I think many can relate to especially because it is a characteristic
that will exist no matter the century.
Open-Ended Questions
1. Did certain parts of the book make you uncomfortable? If so, why do
you think you felt this way?
The idea that we are realistically surrounded by people or, more accurately,
monsters like Cathy Ames, is an uncomfortable thought to me. It is
frightening that there are human beings that kill and do evil for no apparent
reason. A murder is cruel enough, let alone a murder without purpose.
2. Did these feelings lead to a new understanding or awareness of
some aspect of your life you might not have thought about before?
Explain either way.
My awareness of this evil has always existed, maybe even more so than in
others. My new understanding was in learning about how the mind of a
monster works. Cathy explains that she does not believe that genuine good
and kindness exists in anyone.
3. What questions of probability arise in this novel? In other words,
think of two or three events in the novel, which would be most
unlikely in ordinary life; show how the likelihood of these events is
established in the novel, or how their occurrence may be artistically
justified. In general, are the events of this novel made sufficiently
probable to support its total design?
The idea that the narrator, John Steinbeck, knew so much about the affairs of
the Trask family and Cathy is quite improbable to me, especially with the
little association that he had with his grandfather Samuel Hamilton who
would have been his only connection to the Trasks besides maybe town
gossip. Some might think that it was unusual that all the families connected
in some way by the end of the novel, I think it depends on a person’s belief in
fate. All the character, although unclear in the beginning, positively affected
each other in some way; I think this occurrence follows the saying:
“everything happens for a reason.”
4. What specific social problems does the author seem to regard as
unsolved?
The idea that an evil done by one person is passed on to generations to come
is expressed in the passing down of money that was not earned properly. It
seems as though that even when Aron and Cal are older this problem
remains unsolved.
5. What causes seem to be mainly responsible for these social
problems and why?
The causes of these problems come from the evil that is being done. If Cyrus
and Cathy had righted their wrongs their evil would not have been passed
down to their children. Although, these characters would have had to believe
that what they had done was wrong first before they could turn their lives
around.
6. From where is one led to believe the solution may come for these
social problems? Explain.
To solve a problem that involves evil, the person must first fix their mistakes.
The solution for this problem will come from a fresh start which Aron may
have had if he had survived the war. No one can successfully embrace the
future if they are followed by a negative past.
7. Evaluate the relative importance in influencing the outcome of the
novel for the following:
i. Physical aspects
The physical similarities between Cathy and Aron led to the
unusual decision on Cathy’s part to leave all she owned to only
Aron. One would not expect her to leave her belongings to
anyone let alone one of the sons she abandoned. Their
resemblance leads to the reader reviewing his or her thoughts
on Cathy.
ii. Nature
The Garden of Eden is the “garden of God", it was described as
paradise. The novels name seems to point out that when things
seem to be going well for a character tragedy strikes and none
of the families are able to live in peace, they are just east of
happiness and never seem to successfully reach it. The author
uses many details to describe Salinas Valley which is supposedly
“east of Eden.”
iii. Biological make-up
Cal struggles to break away from the thought that he is
connected to his mother and therefore is evil. In reality he is the
master of his own life and because he tries so hard to be good
he is the very opposite of his mother.
iv. Intimate personal relationships
Aron leaves for the army because he cannot bear the news of
his mother; this decision proves to Abra that Aron is in a fantasy
world of his own which pushes her closer to Cal. She admits to
herself and Cal that she loves him because he struggles with
being moral all the time like his brother was.
v. Society
Aron struggled with society but society caused a domino effect
that eventually ended his life. It seems that the ridicule the boys
faced because of their fathers failure drove Aron out of Salinas
pushing him into a depression while he attends University. Adam
is very proud of his son and Cal’s jealousy leads him to crave
revenge and exposes Aron to their mother.
Generalize, to show what the novelist seems to regard as the chief area in
which human destiny is formed.
8. Would you recommend this book to other readers? To your close
friends?
I would recommend this book to other readers and close friends because of
its wonderful and intriguing story about many different characters, I would
also highly recommend it to anyone who has interest in exploring the idea of
good and evil, as that is the underlying theme of all the events in East of
Eden.
9. What did you learn from this novel? In answering this, you may
comment on any aspect of the novel including how it is written.
I learned that you are your own person, East of Eden taught me that no
matter your past, background, or family, you can mold yourself into whoever
you choose to be. You are given a life to become not necessarily the
wealthiest or most known person, but to be respected and achieve happiness
in whatever way is non-harming or is even beneficial to others.
Thematic/Core Questions
1. What specific themes did the author emphasize throughout the
novel? What do you think he or she is trying to express to the
reader?
The contrast between good and evil is the main theme that is carried out
throughout the entire novel. This contrast is interesting to read about, it can
help you look inside yourself and analyze your own behaviors. It is first
represented by Adam and Charles later by Caleb and Aron. These
relationships make me question my relationships with others; Cathy’s evil
makes me question my own motives.
2. Describe the psychology and motivations of the protagonist:
i. What are his/her dominant traits or desires?
First the reader must identify who the protagonist is. I consider
Adam, Lee, The Hamilton family, Abra, Cal, and Aron all
characters who mean well even when they do cruel things out of
anger. Cal may seem like an antagonist because of his scheming
personality and his craving for power, the reader might even
compare him to his antagonist mother Cathy, but the difference is
his desire to be more like his brother. He resents those who love
his brother more which to him seems like everyone. He tries to be
more pleasant like Aron so he can be loved.
ii. How did these traits or desires apparently originate? Do
they support or oppose one another? Explain.
Cal’s desire to be more appealing originated from the attention
his brother Aron receives. Cal does cruel things to those who he
thinks favor his brother, and sometimes he even uses his power
and cleverness over Aron. Once he discovers who his mother is,
he realizes him must not let his relation to her cause him to be
like her, he tries to become his own person but seems to fail more
and more as his father starts to favor Aron.
iii. Through what modes of awareness is the protagonist
most responsive to life and experience: rational,
instinctual, sensory, logical, emotional, and intuitive?
Explain and illustrate.
Cal’s actions, although very instinctual, are influenced by his
secretly emotional resentment towards his brother. He feels
unloved and tries to gain attention from his father and everyone
else who prefers Aron.
3. Describe the psychology and motivations of the antagonist:
i. What are his/her dominant traits or desires?
It is unclear what Cathy Ames’ true desire is at first, until it is
revealed that she believes that there is no good in the world and
anyone who believes otherwise is a fool. She is beautiful and
clever and she knows it very well. Cathy manipulates everyone
who she associates with. It seems the only thing she tries to
accomplish is to maintain a substantial amount of money, stay
out of trouble, and to make it clear to others that she is capable
of outsmarting them. She is confident that she is much better
than any other person and controls men who she is able to make
fall in love with her.
ii. How did these traits or desires apparently originate? Do
they support or oppose one another? Explain.
Cathy’s inner evil is unusual. The narrator describes her as a
monster that lacks a conscious, therefore there is nothing
motivating her to be evil. She just naturally manipulates others
and is unusually cleverer than others.
iii. Through what modes of awareness is the antagonist
most responsive to life and experience: rational,
instinctual, sensory, logical, emotional, and intuitive?
Explain and illustrate.
Cathy is extraordinarily intuitive, she is able to read others and
outsmart them. She also uses the untrue logic that no one is
good and honest, to steer her unknown ambition. Cathy is, in her
own way, responsible and was able to keep the sheriff away
even though he knew about her murders because he had gained
a respect for the way she handled things. Cathy never caused
trouble, even when she was taking the lives of others away.
4. Discuss the way in which the protagonist takes hold of an
emergency. In what terms does he/she see his/her problem?
i. What does he/she do to maximize or minimize the
problem, try to prove or disprove….
When Adam’s love Cathy shoots him and runs off, he enters a
trance. He pays no attention to his surroundings or his new born
sons. Adam shows his inability to handle an emergency in these
chapters. He does not do anything to minimize the problem until
he is snapped out of his trance by Samuel Hamilton.
ii. Do his/her reactions proceed through definite phases? If
so, what are they?
Adam’s friends Samuel and Lee attempt to bring him back to
reality, he does not fully recover from his shock until he goes to
confront Cathy in the brothel. After he overcomes Cathy’s hold
on him he begins to improve his paternal skills. He tries to
connect with his sons and in return is loved and respected by
them.
iii. How may one explain the protagonist’s effectiveness or
inadequacy in taking hold of this emergency?
We see that in these sections of the novel that Adam is indeed
incapable of taking hold an emergency. His inadequacy in
controlling himself is revisited when he enters a shock when he
learns of Aron’s death.
5. Discuss the way in which the antagonist takes hold of an emergency.
In what terms does he/she see his/her problem?
i. What does he/she do to maximize or minimize the
problem, try to prove or disprove….
Cathy seems to elude trouble for most of her life until she starts
running the brothel after she kills Faye. When she does run into
trouble however, she uses her cleverness to manipulate others
and lies. Cathy gains respect from the people around her, she
uses this to her own advantage.
ii. Do his/her reactions proceed through definite phases? If
so, what are they?
Cathy’s reactions last for a little while but she is always quick to
come up with a plan that will benefit only her. Her phases are
quite definite, if Cathy experiences any fear at all she is quick to
take care of herself. Death is usually the route she takes to
dispose her problems, at the end of the novel it is her own life
that is taken in order to escape her surroundings.
iii. How may one explain the antagonist’s effectiveness or
inadequacy in taking hold of this emergency?
Cathy’s ability to make a problem disappear is quite adequate,
though she often harms others in the process she is very good
at taking care of herself. The only emergencies she ever faces
are possibilities of being arrested. In her final challenge, trying
to locate Ethel, she decides to take her own life which many
would say is the selfish and sinful way of escaping ones
problems but Cathy knew very well that when she died it would
be like she had never been.
6. How does the title of your novel reflect one of the themes or main
ideas of its author? What is good or engaging about it? Why might it
provide hints or clues about themes you will encounter while
reading?
The Garden of Eden was the garden of God and therefore gives the reader a
hint that the novel will include many biblical references. Eden is supposed to
be a paradise, to the east of paradise suggests that the novel will describe
troublesome situations and possibly how to overcome them. Overcoming
these troublesome situations may also clue the reader into the main theme of
the novel which is good versus evil.
7. How does the cover art of your novel reflect one of the themes or
main ideas of its author? What is good or engaging about it? Why
might it provide hints or clues about themes you will encounter
while reading?
My cover art shows a pattern of nuts and flowers. The only hint this might
give the reader is the author’s use of nature to describe scenarios in the
Salinas Valley. The love for nature that Steinbeck has can be represented by
this cover.
8. How would the novel have been different if it had taken place in a
different time or place? Explain.
Many ideas about society, wealth, and relationships have evolved in the time
since East of Eden was based on. The antagonist of the novel would have
been arrested rather than excused the way Cathy was by the sheriff, which
may have led to a different fate for Aron. The voice of reason amongst the
Trasks, Lee, may also have had a much different relationship with the family
he worked for if the novel had been set in and earlier or later time. The
families would also have been doing different things in their day to day lives
if they weren’t living in a small town like Salinas or farming near the valley.
Literary Element Questions
1. What was unique about the setting of the book and how did it
enhance or take away from the story?
The Salinas Valley helped the families in East of Eden by allowing them to
explore different things they could do with their life. Aron discovered that he
did not want to live on a farm the way his father had, and Adam
experimented with business by trying the refrigeration idea that may not
have been available to him in a city that was not booming like Salinas. The
valley that is remembered so wonderfully by the narrator is unique because
he compares it to a paradise much like the Garden of Eden, this greatly
enhances the story.
2. Do the characters seem real and believable? Can you relate to their
predicaments? To what extent do they remind you of yourself or
someone that you know?
Many who have siblings may be able to relate to Cal, others who find
guidance in an old friend may compare their relationship with that of Lee and
Adam’s. The characters all have their own struggles which make them very
much real and believable. I am able to compare myself with Abra in many
ways and with Cal in other ways.
3. How do the characters change or evolve throughout the story and
what effect does this have on you the reader? Does their evolution
or lack thereof help invest you further in the story? Explain.
Adam is introduced to a new life when he realizes he needs to take care of his
twin sons, this is a major evolution from the Adam who wanted to sit inside
and enjoy his wealth all day. Abra discovers new things about herself when
she comes to the conclusion that she does not love Aron anymore. Being able
to read about one character from the time of their childhood to their death is
unique and definitely made me more interested in the novel.
4. How does the protagonist’s identity affect their perceptions of
reality or the world around them? Consider:
Age: Towards the end of the novel Lee describes himself as
immortal, he feels like age has not affected him and that he
will live on forever. Although Lee is a servant to Adam he
seems to be superior to him. His role in the household does not
make him perceive the world any differently and his age
makes him all the more wise.
Era: If East of Eden had been set in a different era, Lee’s role in
the household may have been different. Lee may not have been
able to be the one the Trask family went to when they were in
trouble. Also depending on what kind of people he was
surrounded by he might not have been able to drop his bad
grammar and accent.
Locale: Lee wants to open up a bookstore in San Francisco but
he becomes very attached to the Trasks and forgets about his
dream. Staying in the Salinas Valley leads to a more social life
for him.
Social class: Lee grew up in a low class environment. This
makes him appreciate things in his life more. Lee is always the
voice of reason amongst everyone and uses his wisdom rather
than living his life with only being concerned with wealth like
Cathy.
Family: Lee grew up in an unusual environment, his mother
died right after his birth and his father raised him along with the
other Chinese slaves. This background influences the
relationship he has with the Trasks. Lee always wanted a wife
and children but because he was never able to make a family of
his own he treats the twins like his own sons.
Occupation: Lee is the Trask family’s servant but he acts more
like one of the family. He does not just keep the house in good
shape; he also takes care of the family. Lee raises the boys and
takes care of Adam; Adam often goes to Lee for advice.
5. Which do you think caused the single greatest change to the
protagonist during the course of the novel…. Does the development
occur because of a change in fortune, moral character, or
knowledge? Explain.
Realizing he had to take care of his sons is, in my opinion, the best thing that
happens to Adam in the novel. This change causes him to become more
responsible and makes him understand that he should not stay in his home
all day thinking about his wealth, the attitude which he seemed to have when
he lived with Charles. This change seems to be caused by a change in moral
character.
6. What were some alternative choices, decisions, or actions your
character might have taken to change the course of events in the
novel?
I believe that Adam Trask could have lived a more fulfilling life if he had tried
to keep in touch with his brother. Many deaths could have been prevented if
Charles and Adam had stayed on good terms. Adam should also have
responded better to Cathy’s departure. He missed out on valuable years he
could have spent getting to know his sons, this could have prevented Cal’s
jealousy getting out of control because he would have learned to treat and
love them the same.
7. Evaluate the moral structure of the protagonist:
To what degree are his/her moral stature defined by
contrasting minor characters, by the testimony of
characters that are readily acceptable as witnesses?
Adam Trask’s moral stature is greatly influenced by Samuel
Hamilton and Lee. It is these two characters who brought Adam
out of his daze after losing Cathy. He is a good and honest man
who is easily lost in decisions along the way; he is better
developed thanks to his contrasting surroundings.
Discuss the protagonist’s inclinations to specific virtues
and vices, his/her powers or handicaps with relation to
those virtues and vices.
Adam is described as an extremely honest man. Adam struggles
with shock, when major event surround him he will float into a
daze. This action can be quite selfish; an example would be not
taking care of his sons because he had to deal with his own
suffering
Discuss one or two important actions in which his/her
moral stature is apparent.
One instance would be when Cathy leaves Adam and he needs
to take care of the boys. Another situation is his job drafting
soldiers. Adam feels responsible for the deaths because he is the
one who sent the boys.
8. What is the predominate point of view in your novel, and how does it
affect you the reader?
The point of view of East of Eden is third person omniscient. Throughout the
novel there are many characters who eventually become involved with each
other in some way. The narrator tells the story of the Trasks, the Hamiltons,
and other characters. With this point of view we are able to know what the
characters are thinking as well as their backgrounds that only that character
knows about.
9. Does the point of view draw you in or distance you from the events
of the novel? Illustrate by citing a very brief passage from the novel
and showing how it confirms your opinion.
This point of view draws you into the events of the novel.
“Kate was startled out of control. Joe read her quick start, the apprehension,
and then the almost hopeless fear and weariness. Whatever it was, Joe had
something. He had got the breaks at last.”
In this passage from the novel, we see into Joe Valery’s mind. Joe has a plan
to steal Cathy’s money and by knowing when he is lying and what his
thoughts are, the reader can understand the story more easily.
10. How might the novel have been different in the point of view
were different?
The reader would not know as much about the characters if the point of view
was different. Everyone had their own background that may have included
secrets. It is more interesting and easier to understand if the reader knows
more than just what is being told by the narrator.
11. Select three passages from this novel, each reasonably brief,
and use them to illustrate a discussion of these stylistic matters:
Special qualities of diction and sentence structure
Adam asked, “Do you know where your brother is?”
“No, I don’t,” said Cal. . . .
“He hasn’t been home for two nights. Where is he?”
“How do I know?” said Cal. “Am I supposed to look after him?”
The use of style to Individuate the speech, thought, and
personality of given characters
Lee grinned. “Me talkee Chinese talk,” he said.
The implied presence of the narrator or “author”; his/her
level of artificiality; his/her personality
And this I believe: that the free, exploring mind of the individual human is
the most valuable thing in the world. And this I would fight for: the
freedom of the mind to take any direction it wishes, undirected.
The basic vision of life which the style of the novel
reflects and extends
I believe that there is one story in the world, and only one. . . . Humans are caught—in their lives, in their thoughts, in their hungers and ambitions, in their avarice and cruelty, and in their kindness and generosity too—in a net of good and evil. . . . There is no other story. A man, after he has brushed off the dust and chips of his life, will have left only the hard, clean questions: Was it good or was it evil? Have I done well—or ill?
12. Why do symbols add depth to a novel? Can they ever detract
or distract a reader? Explain.
I do not think that a symbol could really distract a reader. Finding and
understanding symbols is simply a way to expand one’s mind and knowledge.
Symbols in a novel can add depth to a novel because they can represent so
much in so few words.
13. What are two objects in your novel that are representative of
something larger than themselves? Specifically, how do they
strengthen or weaken your novel?
Money and the bible are key aspects of East of Eden. Some characters from
the novel base their day to day lives on the bible, the twin’s names come
from the bible and they are expected to fulfill the meaning of their names by
their father. Money is just an object but in the case of Cyrus and Cathy
money seems like more than just a thing. Samuel Hamilton rightfully shows
the reader that money is unimportant; he raises his nine children on little
money and is proud and respected for his success in it.
14. How is imagery used to develop the plot or define the
characters in your novel?
Steinbeck uses the Salinas Valley as a tool in his novel. He describes its
seasons, mountains, and cities in great detail. The setting is the basis of the
plot and it is compared to Eden, it’s supposed to be just east of it, we later
discover what that means.
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