East Of Eden

1 Pages 260 Words

If I could recommend a work of fiction to read and be contemplated by my fellow classmates, it would be John Steinbeck’s East of Eden. East of Eden parallels Genesis times, with a traditional good versus evil story line. The profound depth of the novel leaves one with knowledge and insight for everyday life.
East of Eden is the most stimulating novel I have ever read. It is set in the early twentieth century, a time of hardships and a specific struggle for identity. Steinbeck gives the readers Cathy, the incarnation of evil. He symbolically has Adam as the protagonist of the novel. Cathy fights against the traditional role of women and is determined to be in control, while Adam, the innocent bystander, has an almost fatal downfall caused by being too trusting. Caleb and Aron, Adam‘s sons, relive the story of Cain and Abel while learning the consequences of favoritism and preferred love.
Everyone can connect to a character in East of Eden and the inner struggles the characters experience, while also relating to the bigger conflicts exhibited. Steinbeck seems to ask the question, “Is life a carousel revolving around predestined fate or can we choose our own destiny and not repeat the mistakes of history.” To read the novel means the reader is certain to judge the battles in their own life. East of Eden carries a hopeful message to all readers that the endurance of love and decisions from the heart will prevail over all obstacles....