John Steinbecks East of Eden - Biblical Symbols and Symbolism Essay e

scriptural Symbolism in einsteinium of Eden Throughout the novel eastward of Eden, Steinbeck uses galore(postnominal) biblical references to illustrate clearly the conflict between the debate forces of computable and evil. Much of the plot of East of Eden is centered upon the twain sets of brothers representing Cain and Abel. Both pairs ar similar to Cain and Abel in the way they go well-nigh winning their fathers favors. All four give gifts to their fathers, and the fathers dismiss the gifts of Charles and Caleb, the Cain representations (Marks, Jay Lester. p.121). Caleb and Charles Trask are manifestly the more malignant brothers. They are also the more loving towards their father. Steinbecks purpose in this is to illustrate the need of the Cain character in the story. Abel, go and Aron, is the opposite of his brother and of course good and pure. The purpose of Adam and Aron in East of Eden is to clarify the belief that purity must fill in wickedness (Marks, Jay Lester. p.122). Steinbeck illustrates the need for both good and bad with the actions and beliefs of these supposed good characters. The representations of Abel, Adam and Aron are both described as unloving. Adam has non treated his children fairly and his treatment is caused by his innate goodness. Aron grows as an lascivious selfish person because he is naturally good (Fonterose, Joseph. p. 3382). Steinbeck uses Cain to illustrate the prime(a) man has. In the case of Charles, Cain dies an unhappy man who did not last a worthwhile life, Caleb on the other hand, chose to realize his dark past, save chose to continue living his life with hope (Marks, Jay Lester. p. 122-123). In Steinbecks East of Eden he is constantly using single characters to illustrate many differen... .... Because of mans evil heritage, being descendent of Cain, he is naturally forgiven for any breach in purity (Levant, Howard. p. 244). Steinbecks references and allusions to the bible are very obvious. Althoug h they are most apparent when taking the story of genesis 4 into consideration, the more subtle devices are equally as reclaimable to Steinbeck to prove his point. His beliefs of the relationship between good and evil are comfortably understood with the allusions that are exercised. Works CitedFontenrose, Joseph. hind end Steinbeck An Introduction and Interpretation. New York Barnes & Noble, 1963.Levant, Howard. The Novels of John Steinbeck A Critical Study. Columbia U of Missouri P, 1974.Marks, Lester Jay. Thematic fancy in the Novels of John Steinbeck. The Hague Mouton, 1969.Steinbeck, John. East of Eden. New York Viking, 1952.