John Steinbecks East of Eden - Good Versus Evil Essay -- East Eden Es

Good Versus Evil in East of Eden The idea of dear(p) versus evil is illustrated in several ways in John Steinbecks East of Eden. This is seen through the external conflicts in the novel, the internal conflicts of the characters, and a universal understanding of the battle between good and evil. External conflicts between the main characters, Cathy and cristal, reflect the idea of good versus evil in their family relationship. Cathy, who is much like Satan, creates a huge fight between Adam and his brother Charles with her manipulations. Later, she ruins Adams dreams and breaks his heart when she shoots him and leaves, sending Adam into a deep depression. After twelve years, Adam snaps out of his dream world and confronts Cathy. Cathy is now called Kate and works in a lady of pleasure house called Fayes. Despite her actions, Adam realizes that he doesnt even hate Cathy for the hurt she has caused him. He finds peace with himself, renewing his once abandoned relationship with his sons. Then there is the relationship between Charles and Adam. Charles physically and mentally abuses Adam to the extent that he tries to kill him when Charles thinks that their father, Cyrus, loves Adam more. Throughout all this Adam tranquilize loves Charles, even after he finds out that Charles and Cathy had slept together and his sons may have even been fathered by Charles. Later in the novel, Adam forgives Charles and writes him a letter to endeavor and put their differences aside, only to find out that Charles has died. Cal and Aron are Cathys twin sons. In their relationship they too have many conflicts, Aron, the good son, studies religion and Cal, the evil son, gambles and visits whore houses. Aron tries to convert Cal, but Cal refuses to convert a... ...sin, while the second commands him to do so. The inconsistency results in Lee studying the original Hebrew text with his philosophical Chinese elders and a Rabbi. Together they find that the original Hebrew text uses the word timshel thou mayest rule over sin. This verb emphasizes that a person has the power of free will, displace into his own hands the ultimate decision of whether he will do of good or evil deeds. The idea that mans relationship with good and evil is non predestined is a central idea in this novel. The conflict between good and evil is a universal battle. Many characters in the novel, East of Eden, argue both internally and externally with Good versus evil. Works Cited Steinbeck, John. The Grapes of Wrath, The Moon is Down, Cannery Row, East of Eden, Of Mice and Men. New York Heinemann/Octopus, 1979. pp.475 - 896.