Hello on Monday/Tuesday:
I thought it might be helpful to give you this list of sections of East of Eden that I find
especially important through Part II. These are to look over, perhaps re-read, and think about—maybe
some points you’ll especially want us to discuss before we test.
I AM NOT LOOKING AT THE TEST ITSELF AS I CREATE THIS LIST—just trying to suggest spots
in the book that are important in the big scheme of things. These are not the only note-worthy parts—that
would be too long a list—just parts that should not be overlooked. This supplements the former handout.
1. Focus here is primarily on Part Two, but keep in mind that the allusions set up by the C and A initials will be
important throughout the rest of the novel. Similarly important is Steinbeck’s portrayal of Cathy initially as a
“monster born of human parents (Ch. 8). But there’s also the duality (“Man’s Divided Nature”—our unit) in that she
is the “glory” that lights up Adam’s life (Ch. 13).
2. Pay attention to the intercalary sections of chapters: all of tiny Ch. 12—“Oh, but strawberries will never taste so
good again…” ; first part of Ch. 19 [1] – “the church and the whorehouse” Why these “interruptions”?
3. As always, pay attention to time: Ch. 12 is a bridge into the 20 th c. In Ch. 23/24, you have learned (or will learn)
that the twins are eleven in 1911—and a most significant death occurs just a little later. That will help keep the story
lines in perspective.
Now more orderly—
Ch. 13: [1] is also intercalary—Is its concluding sentence somehow in defense of a Cathy? Why does Adam choose
the Salinas Valley, and what is Cathy’s position on going there?
Bigger picture—How many times do we hear Cathy/Catherine/Kate use the same basic lie to protect herself?
The story about Tom and Liza’s sofa gives good insight into him.
Ch. 14: much about the narrator’s mother, Olive—a great flying story
Ch. 15: introduces a character who from here on becomes a pivotal character in the novel—Lee
[1] has several literary allusions, most inportantly on Cathy’s ability as a criminal—“Her self was an island.”
[2] Lee on communication—Why does he speak differently to Samuel than to anyone else?
[3] Adam’s discussion with Samuel as to why he wants a garden. This section begins what continues and is
sometimes confusing—S’s apparent memory of an old relationship (maybe the one that drove him from Ireland).
Doxology = “Praise God”
Ch. 16: [1] Who is the “golden man” in S’s memory, and how does that relate? [2] Liza on Cathy’s hands…
And what I think is wonderful writing to end the chapter.
Ch. 17: Think about the full frame of reference that Steinbeck has set up with Adam and his Eve in a potential
Garden of Eden—very important later. [2] Right before S. assists with the births, what do he, Tom, Joe find in the
earth (maybe)? [3] Pay attention to all the animal imagery in the birth scene—esp. to S’s comment about humans
and snakes. [4] Liza’s wonderful conclusion about Lee… [5] What happens on Sat., Oct. 2? Note that this is all one
chapter, of course by author’s decision.
Ch. 18: [1] Immediately after the shooting, what place in Salinas do we hear about. [2] The sheriff “had a brilliant
gift for minding his own business.” How is that supported to the furtherance of this chapter? [3] What is S’s advice
to Adam when S. visits the ranch?
Ch. 19: [1] “the church and the whorehouse”—Who is Rev. Billing and how does that apply?
[2] and now there’s Kate—and something about hands again—she is a real duality (OR is this hand work all that
different from her hands with the needle?)
[3] How is her room at Faye’s much like her room had been at home (and much like Miss Quentin’s at Compson’s
in S and F)?
Ch. 20: [1] significance of “Mother”—realize that these chapters about Kate/Cathy are spanning the years while the
twins are growing up. [2] Cathy’s old Achilles heel strikes again…so that [3] is quite a strong scene.
Ch. 21: Who gets sick first (twice)? What is her plan, and how does her completion of it play out Steinbeck’s
observation that “Kate never hurried”?
Ch. 22: one of the novel’s most important and most beautifully written chapters, in my opinion—set in a rotting
Garden of Eden—
How does Liza surprise Samuel? How does S. later surprise himself? He says to Adam, “the stone orchard
celebrates too little, not too much.” What does he mean?
When is this chapter—how old are the boys?
Re-read esp. [3] and [4]—about the naming process. Here the Cain and Abel allusion comes into full significance.
What does Lee say is “the symbol story of the human soul”? And how does it now tie together Steinbeck’s intent
with Charles and Adam?
To what do you think S. is referring in the last paragraph of the chapter?