Symbolism Of Life (East of Eden - John Steinbeck)

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Product:	East of Eden - John Steinbeck
Date:	28/06/02 (213 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Symbolically Brilliant, Excellent Plot, Wonderfully Crafted

Disadvantages: None

The novel takes on the life and times of our protagonist Adam, is relationship is drawn between him and the biblical Adam by Steinbeck; he is fair and just in his nature but is often lead to misjudgements by exterior influences. In retrospect he is God's Son, God's Pride and God's Test.


Steinbeck creates almost a documentary of Adam's life. Questions and predicaments are raised but Steinbeck's main intention is the explanation of Adam's journey from the east to the west. Adam meets his sons, his companions and other significant peoples to him.


I believe that this not only Steinbeck's most intricate but intimate novel because of the fashion that he has managed to craft his literature so that he draws the reader into Adam's world than any other writer could ever manage. It's difficult to describe but the poetry that Steinbeck uses to paint pictures of Adam's life are so powerful and clear that the reader feels as though they are travelling with Adam as he tackles the difficulties and hardships of his journey.


Although the plot was surprisingly interesting I felt the crafting of the individuals paragraphs and paraphrases was the biggest plus of the novel. But in saying this the plot can often become frustrating at times and it feels as though it is warring thin at times, however the journey is filled with breathtaking scenery and interactive and complex characters which not only saves the novel but also promotes it.

An example of an introspective character would be the strange woman that Adam meets on his journeys. Although she tends to change and manipulate her names so many times, her mental state is the most interesting; but it is even more interesting how Steinbeck shows her contrasting personalities. He does not simply say, she was strange but instead provides incidents and occasions, which raise doubts in the readers mind about her sanity. This can become very puzzling
and frightening at times.

Steinbeck has truly created a masterful piece of symbolic literature within these pages. Although initially one might believe that the plot of the novel is solely based on the Adam and Eve biblical scenario, this is true but in a much more complex way. In this piece of literature you will find references to Cain, Abel the serpent and even faith. Throughout the novel, Steinbeck cleverly incorporates these ideas into his plot


The most consistent aspect of the plot is that concerning the amount of questions raised and the consistency of their meanings. Questions and problems concerning the bible are often raised and it is left on the reader to conclude their validity.

East Of Eden is a wonderfully written novel. You will have noticed that I have given too much detail away because the novel really isn't about the plot but rather the manner in which Steinbeck approaches the plot and the angles of interpretations that he inevitably arouses. A truly masterful piece of literature.

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