East Of Eden Theme Essay

The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From the Garden East of Eden by John Steinbeck is a literary work that follows the story of two pairs of brothers, whose lives reenact the ancient biblical tale of Cain and Abel. The common theme of the story is jealously as both Charles and Caleb, characters who feel neglected by their fathers are envious of their brothers, Adam and Aron, who their fathers adore. Scenes that Steinbeck uses to develop this theme are when Caleb and Charles offer their gifts to their fathers and are rejected, when their brothers;s gifts are offered and are preferred, and when Charles and Caleb harm their brothers. All three of these scenes run parallel with the Book of Genesis as Cain and Abel encounter similar circumstances of jealousy, which serves as the

Charles’ circumstance is revealed to the audience when he brings up his father’s past birthday when arguing with Adam about their father’s, Cyrus favoritism. “Look at his birthday!...I took six bits and I bought him a knife made in Germany...Do you ever see him use it?” (Steinbeck 29). This single event amalgamates his failure with his father as he has felt neglected or ignored by Cyrus all throughout his life. By giving him the present Charles aimed to improve his relationship with his father and earn his respect and love, but nonetheless he much like his gift is discarded by his father. Charles is immediately angered and becomes jealous for his brother’s innate praise from their father. This scene serves as a precursor for the story as it sets up the upcoming moments in the novel. Similarly, in Cal’s case when he gives his father, Adam money to make up for his failed business attempt it is declined by his father. “Adam slid off the grubby bow and unfolded the tissue paper. He stared down at the money” (Steinbeck 542). After a few moments of intense shock Adam says to Caleb “You’ll have to