East Of Eden Themes

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Ever since humanity existed on Earth, humans always had the urge to get approval from a compelling figure at any cost. Steinbeck exemplifies this concept in his novel East of Eden, which takes place in the Salinas Valley during the Civil War through World War 1. Regarding two generations of a family that always consists of two brothers being concerned about their father's approval from a young age. Steinbeck illustrates the theme that especially for humanity, humans have sought their parent's approval throughout their lives, but sometimes in response is not what they expected. From the very beginning, Charles had an ambitious time comprehending why his fathers never approved of him or saw him the same way as he saw his brother Adam. Later, at night Charles and Adam went for a walk, during this time Charles was suspicious of what his father told Adam. In reality, Adam told the truth, but that did not convince Charles and told Adam.…show more content…
When Tom finally had it with himself for killing his sister by accident he thought of committing suicide but the thought of,” ….Liza’s disapproval. She could make anyone suffer if she disapproved” (Steinbeck 408). There’s no way of going about it, the sense of Liza on the back of his mind cause stress and lack of focus.This subconscious thought of his mother affects what decisions that Tom can make in his life. Creating a tense situation for Tom to live with every day of his life. Then the sense of his father causes him to react and say,”...“My father, I’m sorry. I can’t help it. You overestimated me”(Steinbeck 409). Samuel made Tom think that he was greater than what he was giving him an approval. He felt that he did not deserve but needed to try and figure out what he wanted in life like what Charles and Cal had to go through. This approval that was given to Tom did not come with the perks that he desired it would
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