East Of Eden Sacrifice Analysis

Sacrifice can be used to show how much something is valued, however when done selfishly results in hate and resentment. In John Steinbeck’s East of Eden he illustrates this selfish use of sacrifice, however contrasts this by later revealing that sacrifice can show love and care for others. Steinbeck uses complex characters to demonstrate that sacrifice, when done only to please someone leads to great pain and suffering. One of the main characters, Adam sacrifices many things so that others will appreciate and care about him, however this ultimately leads to him to feel hate and resentment. Later in his life, as he has to care for his sons, he learns how to sacrifice to illustrate how much he values his relationships. As a child Adam only sacrifices

As children, Adam and Charles play many games, however Charles always has to win. This reaction causes Adam to fear his brother, and leads him to let his brother always win. Throughout his childhood, Adam gives up many opportunities for success, but only because of fear of his brother. By giving up opportunities to feel successful, Adam develops a contentious relationship with Charles. In one instance, Adam and Charles give their father a gift for his birthday, however their father appreciates Adams gift more. This allusion to the Bible recreates the hurt Cain felt when God rejected his gift, however just as Abel did, Adam sacrifices much of his time and money to get his father a gift. Although, Adam did sacrifice much of what he had for the gift, it was for the wrong reasons. This situation conveys that Adam values what his father thinks, but it does not lead to his happiness because it was done selfishly. As he grows older Adam joins the military, as his father wants him to, but he gives up what he wants for his future. Although, this is a sacrifice he does not do it because he loves his father, but rather he wants his father to love him. This selfish sacrifice eventually leads to Adam’s resentment toward his