I’m going to be a high school senior, and one of my summer reading requirements was Steinbecks “East of Eden”. I loved the book, and once I finished,(about a month ago) I gave it to my mom (a librarian) to read.
For anyone who doesn’t know the book, it’s comprised of half of Steinbecks family history, and half biblical references, (adam and eve, cain and abel being the most prominent). Well, my mom loved it too, but the first thing she asked me when she finished was, “Who does Lee symbolize?” Although Im not sure, I said the devil. He constantly challenges the logic of the bible, always hands out a bitter tea drink made from rotten apples, and he spends the first half of the book deceiving all the other characters by pretending to be chinese, and he only reveals his identity (as an american) to those people who question the bibles authority.
However, it can also be said that Satan is Adam Trasks wife, just because she’s so outright evil, which is what
my mom believes, so Lee is god(?), but I don’t quite agree with that.
Has anyone read the book that can help me? No, this question is not for a report or anything, I just have a
month before I can ask my teacher (assuming she would know) and its going to drive me nuts for the rest of the
summer. Thanks!
I don’t know if Lee symbolizes any biblical figure. I’ve seen him as the “true” father of the boys, more so than their actual father. IIRC, Adam was too caught up in his own life to spend much time as an actual father. When Lee leaves, in effect what he’s saying to Adam is, “You’re their father, it’s your responsibility to act like it”. It’s been a while since I’ve read the book, though, so I could be wrong.
For starters, what a great book, huh? It’s one of my all time favs.
I agree with this.
Also, Beefcliff, do yourself a favor and don’t watch the old movie of the same name with James Dean. It sucks. SUCKS. SUCKS. Lee isn’t even in the movie!
Beefcliff, unfortunately its been years since I have read “East of Eden”, so I can’t help you on your quest, although Google probably could. But since Steinbeck is a personal hero I had to chime in. If this is the first of his books which you have read, please dig into some of the others. The Winter of our Discontent is also laden with symbolism. The Grapes of Wrath is a must read about the disgusting way we Californians treated the Dustbowl migrants, and books like Cannery Row and Tortilla Flat have incredible characters.
They are apparently making a big to-do of Steinbeck’s 100th birthday in Salinas and in Monterrey early next year, if anyone has a chance to stop by.
Thanks guys, I actually kept looking for some more info (didn’t find much though). According to Monarch notes, after Samuel dies, Lee takes over as Steinbecks voice in the novel. I guess thats alright, but I really like the “father symbolism” idea.
On a related note, I love steinbeck, hes just a brilliant author. East of Eden however, that was incredible. I’m still in awe.
Unless Mr. Steinbeck was kind enough to leave a will stating explicitly how his symbols were intended to be interpreted, this isn’t really a General Question. Off to MPSIMS.
Well, maybe he did exactly that! I have a copy of the Steinbeck book “Journal of a Novel, the East of Eden Letters.” It is a journal documenting his creation of “East of Eden”, in the form of letters written to his good friend and Viking editor, Pascal (Pat) Covici. He began the letters when he began writing the novel in January 1951 and continued them as a daily routine through November 1951 when the novel was completed. “Journal…” was published in 1969 by the executors of Steinbeck’s estate. Covici died in 1965. (“East of Eden” was published in 1952.)
It’s fascinating to read his thoughts on the characters and meanings, about constructing each section, about his difficulties. Its working title was “Salinas Valley” (he referred to it as “S.V.”). In May 1951, he tells Pat he’d like to call it “Cain Sign”, saying “…it is short, harsh, memorable, and nearly evrybody in the world knows what it means. And it is a pretty good-looking book title. What do you think of it?” And in June 1951, he writes, “I have a title, a beautiful title, EAST OF EDEN. And the Salinas Valley is surely East of Eden.”
About Lee: in Steinbeck’s own words, this is what he said about Lee: “Now you are going to like Lee. He is a philosopher. And also he is a kind and thoughtful man. And beyond all this he is going to go in the book because I need him. The book needs his eye and his criticism which is more detached than mine. Lee’s attitudes will if anything be clearer than mine. Also, Lee has to raise the boys.”
He talks of many other meanings and symbolism, too many to share here. Every time I re-read the novel, I bring out this companion piece.
I love “East of Eden”. I’ve had my copy of “Journal of a Novel” for over 30 years and I have no idea if you can find it anywhere. Read all the Steinbeck you can!
I’ve never been big on trying to pick up on delibereate attempts at symbolism in litereature. If I don’t enjoy a book because it’s a good read I won’t enjoy it any more because it’s full of symbolism. It’s also been over a decase since I last read EoE. However I would never be able to see Lee as the devil. His character is scrupulously honest and his intentions are always honourable and invariably in the interests of making others confront the truth and abandon thier prejudices. Come to think of it Lee would make a good mascot for the SDMB. This attitude is never more obvious than at the end where he informs Adam of his son’s death on the grounds that he has the right to know the truth, even though telling him will cost Lee his employment. Granted Lee kept his true nature hiden, but that nature is more pleasant than his assumed persona, exactly the opposite of Satan.
If I had to cast Lee in a biblical role it would be as something intangible, akin to the divine within man or perhaps the holy spirit. Lee is always working in the background in the interests of the elimination of human suffering, or at least suffering for false causes. He’s never shown offering much in the way of obvious affection or comfort, but provides what is truly required by his charges at all times and is frequently forcing them to face their responsibilties and live up to their potential. His true nature is kept hidden except to those humble people who have gained a very clear view of their place in the universe, who can see straight through his disguise without assistance. Those who are full of pride and arrogance are willing to be fooled into believeing him to be a worthless coolie. Lee’s character is also revealed to those who have come to know him well and rely on him, and those who have grown up never doubting him.
Steinbeck is ALWAYS a big to-do here in the Monterey Area (I live about halfway between Monterey and Salinas). The Steinbeck center is probably the main draw for the city of Salinas (they built it right at the northern end of Main Street), and Cannery Row is of course the big draw for Monterey.
It’s kind of nice living here…but i dont think much of it (you kind of take it for granted here).
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I’d just like to point out that my little hometown of Watsonville is mentioned once or twice in EoE.
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Also, I’d like to point out that Cannery Row is looking less and less like that place described in Steinbeck’s book of the same name, though maybe my complaint belongs here.
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I always forget you are a local, DeathLlama, which makes you cool in my book :).
True, but the real cannery row stunk like rotting fish, and was basically the “rough” side of town up until the 70’s or so. They finally tore down one of the abandoned warehouses (which is now a parkinglot). Although, i think there’s an ordinance that new construction has to fit in with the cannery look, and the Aquarium still has the old Portola sardine canning ovens (and Doc Rickett’s lab is still standing). There’s an old saying my mom used to tell me:
Carmel by the sea, Pacific Grove by the religion, and Monterey by the smell.