East of Eden Part 2

Good & Evil

There comes a time, when good is mistaken for evil and evil for good. In East of Eden, the discussion of good and evil is a key theme that is displayed throughout the part two section of the book. East of Eden presents evil in the sense of good, drawing the ultimate conclusion that one is not born evil but chooses to become evil. In fact, Steinbeck allows readers to develop the concept that evil erupts from good, which is why both of them can be confused for the other. The concept of evil erupting from good is shocking because one would question how a person or thing  that is sacred today can become monstrous the next day. Steinbeck reveals evil in the sense of good as he makes a connection between the church and the whorehouse in Chapter 19, "And each would have been horrified to think it was a different facet of the same thing...they were both intended to accomplish the same thing...the churches took a man out of his bleakness for a time, so did the brothels" (E.O.E 217).  So much as to calling them two ministries, Steinbeck goes against religious norm, for the church is to morally oppose the whorehouse and not be familiarized with it. Despite the brothel is considered evil in the sense that it goes against the morals of society and the church does not, Steinbeck points out the indifference between them as he informs readers of the unrighteous happenings in the church and the sinful ways of those considered sacred by the church, " ...the Reverend Billing, when they caught up with him, turned out to be a thief, an adulterer....and it doesn't matter much that his motive was impure. He used good material and some of it stuck" (E.O.E 218). Steinbeck develops the idea that both sects are not pure but have the potential of being pure.

Both characters Faye and Kate demonstrate the theme of good and evil in part two of East of Eden. Despite described as an evil person in the earlier chapters of the book, Cathy who is now called Kate, takes on the role of a good woman in her wait period to achieve her ultimate goal, which is never truly revealed in the book. Kate acts as a good character so much as to taking care of Faye and developing a mother-daughter relationship with Faye to the extent her previous manipulative ways are almost forgotten. "When Kate offered to help with the marketing and planning of meals...not only did the food improve, but the grocery bills came down one-third the first month Kate took over" (E.O.E 222). Kate becomes submissive- "good," only to accomplish the goals she has set for herself. Faye, whose nature is of good, is so easily manipulated by Kate, for a person who is kind at heart fails to see the bad side of certain things or people, especially those who are close to their heart. "Faye was a nice woman...No one could want to hurt Faye once he knew her [except Kate]...." (E.O.E 220). Kate is presented in such a conniving manner; Steinbeck makes her character confuse readers- one would think she has changed for the better, but like always at the end of the designated parts, readers are clarified that Kate can not be redeemed by others, she changes on her own will.


Discussion Questions & Answers

1. In Chapter 13, Steinbeck celebrates "the freedom of the mind to take any direction it wishes, undirected." Both Adam and Faye create and harbor a childlike image of Cathy to their peril. They fall prey to their own creations. What traits do these two characters share? And what are some of the dangers inherent in "freedom of the mind"?

Adam and Faye are wanderers.With the presence of Cathy in their lives, they find meaning to their existence, something substantial and is worth living for. Because Cathy presents herself as the solution to both Adam and Faye's existing problems- not being able to find a stable ground or place to call home, they develop the idea that she is destined to be in their lives. Steinbeck's inclusion of Freedom of mind in the book, allows characters the power to think freely. With freedom of the mind, both Adam and Faye face the dangers of being manipulated by Cathy and the refusal to accept Cathy's  true nature, "Her eyes were secretive. Faye wasn't clever...Faye's eyes lost suspicion and her face relaxed" (E.O.E 246). Because Faye fails to see Cathy or Kate as the devil she is, Faye loses interest in the idea that Cathy is pretending. Both Adam and Faye are capable of being manipulated by Cathy because they both share the characteristic of not being to see what is on the surface- they are blinded by Cathy's presence, so they fall in love with the image they have of her in their minds, "Was she beautiful, Samuel?...I wonder who she was- what she was" (E.O.E 262). Adam could barely remember Cathy's true self because he never tried knowing her for who she was; it was like his emotions had taken control of his vision. 

2. From your reading of Chapter 14—about Olive Hamilton, Steinbeck's mother—do you think it is wildly intrusive and inappropriate, as some critics have claimed? Or, is the chapter consistent with other interjections throughout the book and with Steinbeck's ambition to write a novel for his sons in an unrestricted style?
It is not intrusive and inappropriate of  Steinbeck to dedicate Chapter 14  to Olive Hamilton's life progression. In fact, Olive Hamilton's character clearly serves as a true mother-figure in contrast with some other women like Cathy, presented in the book. "Olive had great courage...it takes courage to raise children" (E.O.E 151). Olive's purpose in the book is to teach readers (particilarly Steinbeck's son) of how a woman should act, for Steinbeck's wife had deserted her sons just like Cathy. 

3. Regarding Cathy, the narrator says: "Who knows but that she tried to tell someone or everyone what she was like, and could not for lack of a common language." Both Lee and Samuel know upon meeting her "what she is like." So does Charles. What qualities in Cathy are transparent to those who care to notice?

To those who care to notice, Cathy's behavior is a huge transparent quality that depicts her true nature. "Cathy was chewing a piece of meat, chewing with her front teeth. Samuel had never seen anyone chew that way before" (E.O.E 173). Cathy's attitude towards certain things allows those observing to see through her superficial acts. "Cathy, we're going to make a beautiful place in the world...Samuel switched his gaze to Cathy's face. It did not change" (E.O.E 173). Cathy's nonexistent reaction towards matters that prompt reactions is a quality that is very transparent to observers; her inhumane characteristic is very transparent. 

4. In discussing the Cain and Abel story with Samuel Hamilton and Adam, Lee says: "The greatest terror a child can have is that he is not loved, and rejection is the hell he fears. I think everyone in the world to a large or small extent has felt rejection. And with rejection comes anger, and with anger
some kind of crime in revenge for the rejection, and with crime guilt." To whom does this apply? Charles? Cathy? Adam?

Lee was specifically talking to Adam. Adam's behavior towards his newborn sons after Cathy left him, showed that he felt guilty leaving them without a mother and angered that they came from her. "...he felt only a thin distaste of them. To Adam they were symbols of his loss" (E.O.E 252). Adam refuses to accept that Cathy left on her own will, which is why he refers her desertion as a loss.  This could also apply to Charles in the first chapters, as he festers his anger against his brother prior to his father's rejection of his love. Cathy was never rejected, in fact when someone tries to get close to her she pulls away.

5. Part Two concludes with an evocation of Biblical stories—of Aaron who did not make it to the Promised Land, and Caleb and Joshua who did. Is there a Moses figure in the book thus far, whose vision leads characters out of their spiritual wilderness?

The Moses figure portrayed in East of Eden is Samuel Hamilton. Just as Moses leads characters out of the wilderness, Samuel Hamilton leads characters out of their troubles with his storytelling and wise advices. It is with Samuel's help that Adam comes back to his senses and takes charge of his life. "Adam's face was changing as though he had opened and come out on his surface...I thank you for coming, Samuel...I even thank you for hitting me" (E.O.E 264). Without Samuel's help, who knows what would have become of Adam, for he would have drowned in self-loathe.

6. Why do you suppose that Steinbeck includes so much about the Cain and Abel story in the novel, having Samuel read the text?

 The biblical story of Cain and Abel is included in East of Eden, to inform readers of the events that will take place as a result of the birth of Cain and Aaron. It is almost like Steinbeck is letting in- foreshadowing, what is to come. The beginning of life (the twins birth) and the ending to it (Cain murdering Aaron).