East of Eden - Top Five Passages

Part One

One of the most important things in Part One happened at the very end. During the last scene, Cathy drugs Adam and goes to Charles's room where they had coitus. "...he drew back the blanket to receive her" (125). The reason why this is so important is because the book later hints that Aron and Cal may actually be Charles's. It also builds dramatic irony for the plot because Adam didn't know about Adam didn't know about Cathy's infidelity (until later), but the readers' knew the whole time.

Part Two

Some of the most important things said in Part Two was during one of the intercalary chapters. John Steinbeck writes about the importance of individuality and creativity. "And this I believe: that the free, exploring mind of the individual human is the most valuable thing in the world...And this I must against any idea, religion, or government which limits or destroys the individual...If the glory can be killed, we are lost. What Steinbeck is saying is that without creativity and individuality, we can't achieve or grow as a whole and society. These creative and innovative people are the ones who drive us toward success. Without them, we're a dull, gray colorless world.   

Part Three

In Part Three, the reader starts to get an insight on Cal and Aron's relationship as they were growing up. Something that really caught my eye was when Cal and Aron Aron were talking in the family's brand new car. "I don't know why go for to do it...All the tricky sneaky things...I'd like to know why you do it. You're always at something. I just wonder why you do it. I wonder what's it good for" (374-375). The reason why I think is important is because Aron sees the bad in Cal for the first time (which won't be the last). Aron always sees what he wants to see, especially when it concerns the bad in others. He only sees good in those who give him their undivided love and attention like Abra and Adam.

Part Four

Part Four is the last part in the last part in the story. It's where everything (almost) come s to an end. During Part Four, Aron begins to have doubts about not only college, but the world around him. "...he could live in purity and peace with the world, cut off by the little draw. He could hide from ugliness" (524). Aron feels that the world is impure and dirty and you'd have to a "saint" to be clean. I think that's not the case. As long as your running away from something, no place in the world can truly give you pure peace and serenity.

Fifth Response

A deep philosophical quote that I found interesting was in Chapter Thirteen, another intercalary chapter/section. "...a man's importance in the world can be  measured by the quality and numbers his glories. It is a lonely thing but it relates us to the world. It is mother of all creativeness, and it sets each man separate from all other man" (131). this means that the greatness of a man depends on his deeds during his life, which is a sad fact. But these glories or deeds is what gives people individuality and creativeness. Those two traits ultimately makes humans human. It's why we're so special.