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). 

East of Eden Part 1

Love vs. Hate 

The thematic subject of love vs. hate is a concept that is portrayed throughout the first few chapters of East of Eden. In the book, love which is meant to be passionate and overpowering, is presented in a harsh and perplexing manner; characters who have love for the other present their feelings in a way that confuses readers and allows them to question how love can be so scolding and compelling. Love which is to encourage an individual, ends up evoking an emotion that can be considered deadly when put to action. The character Cyrus Trask, insists that he loves his biological son Adam, despite treating his step-son Charles better than Adam. Cyrus' tough love for Adam is what actually makes Adam despise him. Because Adam sought a different kind of affection than that offered by his father, his mind was set on doing all what he can as possible to get out of the way. In East of Eden, rejected love is transformed into hatred. This can be further seen in the character Charles, who choses to take out his festered anger for his father on his stepbrother Adam. This is noted as Charles remembers a childhood incident even after years passed, almost as if he was still holding a grudge, "Remember the present I gave him, the pocketknife?...he didn't take it to Washington with him...And you gave him a pup. It was at his funeral" (E.O.E. 64). The love shared between these brothers and their father becomes ironic in the sense that, Adam who was loved by his father did not love his father back, while Charles who was barely loved by his father loved his father no matter what; Steinbeck's use of  paradox never ends. So much as to conveying hatred in the novel, Steinbeck goes over the top and hatred is presented in a gruesome and consuming manner. With the character Cathy Ames, Steinbeck expresses how a person's hate for the world is transformed into something not of this world. Because of hate, characters become deceptive and are compelled to living a blinded life; characters create a haven for their selves and believe that that is truly how the world runs whereas that is not the case.



Discussion Questions & Answers

1. Is Cathy Ames doomed by nature to be who she is, or does she have a choice? Cathy is introduced as a monster in Chapter 8; in Chapter 12 she's described slightly differently. Steinbeck seems to be assessing her character as he writes the book. Why might Steinbeck be asking the reader to asses Cathy carefully?

Despite presented as a monster in East of Eden, Cathy Ames holds the key to her destiny. Alluding to Eve in the Bible, Cathy is presented in a grotesque form of Eve; instead of falling for the temptations of the devil, Cathy herself is described as the devil. Instead of suffering as one takes on the consequences of sinning, Cathy embraces the pain and looks for other souls in which she can bring down along with her. Because all what Cathy sees in the world is of hate and evil, she chooses to silt her life with evil doings. In assessing Cathy's character, Steinbeck allows readers to understand that there is good in everyone, therefore it is a man's choice to oppose to the good nature of things in order to become evil. In Chapter 12, Cathy is described differently as to the effect she has on others; here she is portrayed in a good manner because it her existence that brings happiness to Adam Trask. "Adam couldn't remember ever having been so happy. It didn't bother him that he did not know her name. She had said to call her Cathy, and that was enough for him" (E.O.E 116). Because Cathy is capable of being loved despite having the hidden perks of a monster, Steinbeck insists that readers pay close attention to her, for it is a rare thing to have an evil soul and still be admired by multiple.

2. Who is telling the story at any given moment? Steinbeck, Olive's son, a character in his own book? The all-knowing narrator who can even tell what others are thinking? Or is the philosopher-critic a third possibility? Why do you think Steinbeck includes himself in this text? What might be his point in doing so?

 Olive's son, Steinbeck, is the narrator of the book. "When I, her [Olive] only son, was sixteen I contracted pleural pneumonia, in that day a killing disease" (E.O.E 150). Steinbeck, unlike most authors who yearn to show the readers events that occur in the book from an outside view, instills himself in his book's incidents. As a narrator, Steinbeck portrays himself as a bystander who is curious enough in the events happening that he fails to not have an input. His inclusion in the text allows readers to feel closure when understanding that the events presented in the novel resemble that of events that have taken place in reality. Most of Steinbeck's break in the novel- when he presents himself, is very descriptive and informative. His breaks are usually to further analyze a character, "When I said Cathy was a monster it seemed to me that it was so...I wonder if it was true" (E.O.E 184) or to align the cause of an issue, "Surely I can understand this...I will fight against it to preserve the one thing that separates us from the uncreative beasts..." (E.O.E 132).

Birth Control and Teenage Pregnancy.

Source: New York Times, 4/19/2012, p26, 0p

This article talks about an encouraging new report that shows a big decline in the rate of teenage births due to the use of contraceptives. It then brings insight to Congressional Republicans views on these reports, which they ignore, as they seek to dismantle reproductive health programs.This article supports my thesis because it talks about the decline in teenage pregnancy due to teenagers' use of birth control. From 2009 to 2010, the birth rate among young women ages 15 to 19 fell 9 percent, to 34.9 per thousand, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That is a record low for the 65 years that data have been available, and a remarkable 44 percent drop from the 1991 rate. With less teenage pregnancy occurring, there will definitely be a decline in schools dropout rates caused by teenage pregnancies.

Title: Many factors at work to reduce teen pregnancies

Source:  USA Today

Commentary writer Patrick Welsh's musings on teen pregnancies at T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Va., should be a source of embarrassment ("Why schools give birth control," The Forum, Wednesday).

This article focuses on the observation of a student and his colleagues, as they offer proof of how teenage pregnancy declined in the high school, due to the convenience use of getting contraceptives at the school. This supports my thesis by mentioning the upbringing of the use of contraceptives in the high school.

Welsh also cites national statistics that teenage births are down. That would, of course, include numbers from high schools without easy access to contraceptives. This is all very flawed logic, even by left-wing standards.

Title: Minister's Message: We Need a Different Sexual Revolution

Source: Hinduism Today

In the USA, according to Sorokin, the epidemic of teenage pregnancy "children having children," has become a public health crisis, and the divorce rate has doubled in ten years. Two-fifths of American youth live in single-parent homes for at least part of their youth. Although it would be improper to conclude that children from single-parent families cannot prosper, statistics show that they don't. In fact, they do worse in every dimension--physically, emotionally, behaviorally, educationally, economically and in terms of smoking and drinking abuses--than those from traditional families. They die earlier, perform more poorly in school, are less well nourished, suffer more unemployment, are more prone to deviance and crime, and are more susceptible to psychiatric illness. These sociological considerations that affect our understanding of sexual abstinence inspire us all the more in the practice of brahmacharya through thought, word and deed. The course of "children having children" aims directly to my thesis because it brings insight to the dangers  that might occur in the process of raising a young one at a tender age.

Title: Talking to our girls about sex
Source: Essence32. 11

 By taking a holistic approach to girls' development and truly maintaining responsibility for their spiritual, emotional, mental, physical and sexual development, parents can help them better navigate the challenges that come with puberty. Lamb discusses the importance of talking to one's daughter about sex.One thing most parents refuses to take not about is having 'The Talk' with their children. This article supports my thesis in the sense that it brings light to parents having mature discussions with their children on the subject of sex. Just as parents prepare their child to read, they have to prepare them to deal with their sexuality also. There is great importance in a parent talking about the consequences of a teenager having sex to their children.
 

2nd Letter to the Editor - Teenage Pregnancy Has Rarely Been Spoken About in the Star Ledger

369 Park Ave, Apt #F12,

Orange, NJ 07050

May 6, 2012

Editor

The Star -Ledger

1 Star –Ledger Plaza,

Newark, NJ 07102-1200

To the Editor:

I used to enjoy reading the news section of The Star -Ledger paper concerning teenage pregnancy. Lately, I’ve noticed that the paper has cut down on the information of teenage pregnancy like it’s not a major problem in the state.

If the news does not think being pregnant at a young age is a problem, then I see no reason why teenagers should be blamed for having sex at a young age. An article by Paul Cox in 2008 - “Teen pregnancy revives as problem, N.J. poll finds,” states of how the majority of New Jersey residents worry that pregnancy among teens is a major problem in the state, and still nothing has been done to solve this problem. Since 2008, teenage pregnancies and schools dropout rates have increased, but the news seems to have more interest in the ten year old weightlifter, Naomi Kutin.

I'm currently working on a community research project that identifies teenage pregnancy and its impact on schools dropout rates. Updates on the issue will be made on this site http://societalresearchproblem.blogspot.com/ . I ask that this issue be spoken about often, if not daily; help is needed.

Chinwendu Obi

10^th Grade

Orange High School 

Orange, NJ.

Teenager Interviewed on the Subject of Teen Pregnancy and It's Impact on Schools Dropout Rates

Letter to the Editor- on the Issue

Dear Editor,

           

The issue of teenage pregnancy has become a growing concern in our society, and something needs to be done about it. I’ve been working on a community research project which involves creating a Blog- http://societalresearchproblem.blogspot.com/ to identify a community social problem- teenage pregnancy and its impact on schools dropout rates, predicting a solution, making interviews and updates on the causes of the problem, and attempting to solve them.

At this point, I’ve interviewed a librarian who has totally shocked me, by insisting that children be left to experience life, when asked if children be watched closely by their parents in order to prevent teenage pregnancies. I was overwhelmed to discover that this problem was more prevalent in developed countries, particularly the United States. This finding caught my attention, and so I plan on going through various heights in order to meet the goal of reducing teenage pregnancy rates in schools in the Essex County.

The Board of Education can help by insisting that Sex- Aid classes in schools teach students the consequences of having sexual intercourse at a tender age, and supply students at one point with contraceptives.

Chinwendu Obi

369 Park Ave. Apt F12, Orange, NJ

(973)-676-0159

More to come from the previous interview.

The interview I made, proved a lot from what I had stated in the hypothesis written below. As seen, and heard, the adult interviewed, had varied insight on the topic discussed. The interviewed, Alice McMillan, had given an excellent reply to the questions asked, and had seemed enthusiastic when the topic of Teen Pregnancy and It's Impact on School Dropout Rates, was brought up. I learned a lot from the interview, but what I found shocking was that most parents, even when they're aware that their teenagers are sexually active or doomed to having sex, they as a parent wouldn't pry on the lives of their children. As the interviewed had stated, the teenagers should be left to face their own consequences, and parents' closeness would only make their children dependent on them. I also learned that most teenagers who engage in sexual activities are either curious to know what and how it feels like to be engaged in such activity, or they'd been influenced by their friends.
To make matters a lot better, my upcoming interview would be on an actual teenager. In other words, I would be interviewing a teenager-a high school student, in specificity, on their views on the topic. A teenager's perspective is more broader compared to that of an adult who has seen or experienced life through. By interviewing the teenager, I'd be able to get more insight and fully understand the impact teenage pregnancy has on school dropout rates. This is optional, but I might also interview, a teenage couple who have been together for a while, to understand what both partners would go through, if one had been notified that the other was pregnant, and how they'd be able to cope with it, school, and their social lives.