East of Eden Symbols
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Why Symbols?
-In East of Eden, symbols appear not only as certain objects, but as relationships, interactions, setting, and even people.
-The unique symbols portrayed by Steinbeck in this novel represent more than just ideas, but also allude to reoccurring themes, religion, and criticisms of society.
Symbols: The Salinas Valley
-Why the Salinas Valley?
The Salinas Valley, first introduced in the first three pages of the novel, create a structure to which the story becomes based on; a background setting.
This setting, however, is more than a physical aspect of the plot. It is heavily emphasized by Steinbeck and becomes an obvious and essential symbol.
-How is it a symbol/What is it a symbol of?
The Salinas Valleys are introduced in a beautifully dictated physical imagery and hold dualities such as death vs. life, good vs. evil, sin vs. hope, and represents the biblical ‘East of Eden’ itself.
The Salinas Valley (cont)…
What is it a symbol of? (cont)…
This setting works as a strong symbol due to it’s dualities that is supported by Steinbeck’s description of where the valley lies. Between two different sets of mountains, the “Gabilan Mountains to the east of the valley” and the “ridges of Santa Lucias,” lies a contrast in good v. evil. The Santa Lucias were “dark and brooding-unfriendly and dangerous” wheras the beautiful Gabilan Mountains were “light gay mountains full of sun and lovliness.” (Steinbeck 1)
The Salinas Valley lay right in between these two opposing forces, symbolizing the ‘East of Eden’ that was a place of freedom but also a place wrought with sin. This freedom to choose either side symbolizes the battle between sin and hope. The split sides that surround the setting of the novel, foreshadow turmoil in choosing between good and evil and facing sin. The setting of the sun in the west in the valleys towards the Santa Lucias also represent darkness and death whereas the rising of the sun near the east, hold hope and rebirth of a new day.
The Salinas Valley (cont)…
The valley also works as a symbol for death and life as Steinbeck describes how “it may be that the birth and death of the day had some part in [his] feelings about the two ranges of the mountains” (Steinbeck 1). The idea of cycles, with both the rivers in the valley and the seasons hold huge importance as well. The valley holds a river that runs dry during the summer and as something that once held such life, becomes barren and dead. The duality of life and death is again symbolized by the setting in the valleys.
Symbols: Cathy Ames/Trask
-Why Cathy Ames?
Though symbols may be more traditional as objects, in East of Eden, Cathy Ames symbolizes so much that adds to both the plot and the meaning behind the novel. Cathy is more than just an antagonistic character and holds more importance than a horribly evil character.
Cathy Ames/Trask (cont)…
-How is Cathy Ames a symbol?
Cathy Ames represents the opposite of good and therefore an opposing character to Samuel Hamilton. She acts as a symbol of pure evil as she sins without remorse and leads Adam who represents innocence, into a life of hardship. Through Cathy’s completely unredeemable character, Steinbeck creates once again, the struggle between good and evil.
As a child, Cathy began to have thoughts of lust and evil and instead of taking the pathway of innocence, she gave into those hungers. However, this is not what Steinbeck punishes her character for. Her completely unremorseful attitude and outlook on her sins places her in the position of pure evil.
Cathy Ames/Trask (cont)…
More than a character, Cathy Ames is a symbol because she is an unrealistic character. Though the other characters have redeeming qualities amongst their sins and flaws, Cathy is portrayed as completely evil, even as she commits suicide. Because of this unrealistic quality, Cathy remains a powerful symbol of all evil and sin.
Charles’ Scar
In the novel East of Eden, Charles receives a scar after he beats up Adam for being the “favorite son.” While Charles had spent money in buying his father a new pocketknife, Adam receives more attention for giving his father a stray puppy he found.
Charles’ scar is a symbol of Cain’s mark. In the Bible, Cain received a cross marking on his forehead after he murdered his son. God marked Cain with a cross to indicate his sin. In other Bibles, Cain’s mark is a symbol of God’s forgiveness.
Alcohol
Alcohol is symbol of truth; it forces people to break free from their secrets and reveal them to the world.
Alcohol plays a large role in affecting judgment, as portrayed by Kathy’s actions when she is drunk. The alcohol causes her to reveal her secrets. For example, after she gets drunk, Kathy admits to Faye of all her evil deeds she commits with her clients. Without the influence of alcohol, the truth behind her mask of deception is revealed.
