1. East of Eden by John Steinbeck 1902-1968

2. John Steinbeck * Born Salinas Valley, California Loved reading and writing Spent the summers working on local ranches where he learned the land and ways of people Attended Stanford University, but didn’t graduate. Pursued a writing career in New York, but was unsuccessful at first. So he returned to California. In 1935, he attained fame with his first novel Tortilla Flat. But he received National recognition by winning the Pulitzer Prize for The Grapes of Wrath, written in 1939. Many of his books are about the plight of the poor rural population. In 1962 he received the Nobel Prize for Literature for his contribution to twentieth century fiction.

3. Steinbeck’s novels are acclaimed for their combination of realistic naturalism and moral optimism- two qualities commonly not found together. Naturalism was a literary movement that suggested the involvement of environment, heredity and social conditions in shaping the human character. Steinbeck portrayed the pain, poverty, and wickedness of the world with unsparing details while at the same time maintained a belief in the “perfectibility of man.” Even in the most gloomiest of stories, there is a sense of hope. Steinbeck considered East of Eden his masterpiece. He wrote that he had imbued East of Eden with everything he knew about writing and everything he knew about good and evil in the human condition. Thought the story is NOT autobiographical, it does delve into the world of Steinbeck’s childhood, incorporating his memories of Salinas Valley, his memories of the war era, and his memories of his relatives, many of whom are secondary characters in the novel. Sam Hamilton is Steinbeck's grandfather. Olive Hamilton is Steinbeck's mother. Aron Trasks’ dismal experience at Stanford is somewhat based on his experiences.

4. Biblical Background The story of Adam and Eve and their sons, Cain and Abel, are the foundation of the narrative of East of Eden. Both stories appear in Genesis, the first book in the Bible. Through these allusions, Steinbeck explores the conflict of good and evil in humanity.

5. From Wiki: In the Book of Genesis, God fashions Adam from dust and places him in the Garden of Eden, where he is to have dominion over the plants and animals. Eve is later created to be his companion. God places a tree in the garden which he prohibits Adam and Eve from eating. However, a serpent tricks Eve into eating from it, and they are subsequently expelled from the garden for disobeying God, who visits upon them and their children numerous hardships as punishment.Book of GenesisGarden of Edena tree Adam and Eve give birth to two sons, Cain and Abel.

6. Cain becomes a farmer and Abel a shepherd. One day, the two brothers make a sacrifice to God. Cain offers grain from his fields; Abel offers a fat animal. God favors Abel’s sacrifice, so Cain kills his brother out of jealousy. When God asks Cain where his brother is, he replies, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” God realizes that Abel is dead and exiles Cain. When Cain protests that the punishment is too severe and will put his life in danger, God puts a mark on Cain to warn others not to harm or kill him. God then banishes him to wander in the land of Nod, which lies East of Eden.

7. ASSIGNMENT1: Exploring themes. Copy each theme listed below, and as you read, paraphrase dialogue, action, or description that contribute to the theme. A theme is the universal idea explored in a literary work. The perpetual contest between good and evil. Humans have freewill to overcome evil. The pain of paternal rejection. Importance of truth.

8. ASSIGNMENT 2: Exploring motifs. Copy each motif listed below, and as you read, track dialogue, action, or description that contribute to the motif. A motif is a recurring structure, contrasts, or literary device that help to develop the litery works’ themes. The story of Cain and Abel. Fortunes and Inheritances.

9. Narration style of East of Eden The story is told by a third person narrator style who is not omniscient and who greatly resembles John Steinbeck himself. In this sense, the narrator may or may not be a mouth piece for the author. In addition to conveying the events of the novel, the narrator provides commentary and interrupts the story frequently to discuss human history and the human condition. ASSIGNMENT 3: Locate and paraphrase three narrative interruptions and copy/explain them in your journal. Be sure to label the assignments appropriately in your journal.