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 authors worldview? The novel explores the authors 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 societys 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. Adams 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 individuals 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 Trasks 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 authors 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 fathers 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 persons 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 Cathys 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 Cals 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; Cathys 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.

Cals 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. Cals 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.

Cathys 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 Adams 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? Adams 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 Cathys 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 protagonists 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 Arons 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? Cathys 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 antagonists effectiveness or inadequacy in taking hold of this emergency? Cathys 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 authors 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 werent 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 Adams. 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 protagonists 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, Lees 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 familys 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 Cathys departure. He missed out on valuable years he could have spent getting to know his sons, this could have prevented Cals 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 Trasks 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 protagonists 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 Valerys mind. Joe has a plan to steal Cathys 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 dont, said Cal. . . . He hasnt 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 caughtin their lives, in their thoughts, in their hungers and ambitions, in their avarice and cruelty, and in their kindness and generosity tooin 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 wellor 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 ones 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 twins 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, its supposed to be just east of it, we later discover what that means.