There are moments in literature when you realise that what you are reading is far more than a story.
Far more than an environment in which different characters interact, in which there is a conflict, a rising action, a climax and a conclusion.
Far more even than bringing characters and scenes to life through detail and thoughtfulness.
There are moments in which you realise that what you have just read will change you.
It escapes the realm of entertainment and reaches the new horizons of becoming part of you, of your character, of your moral compass, of your everything.
Yet still I believe that this is an understatement.
This is a deepdive into exactly what makes East of Eden one of the best literary works of human history.
The story addresses themes of fate and religion, with the narrative being split into two generations of the Trask family, both of which are parallels to the Cain and Abel bible story.
There is an in depth analysis of biblical interpretation, with the Hebrew word ‘timshel’ being at the centre of it all.
Steinbeck writes that when the bible was translated from Hebrew to English ‘timshel’ was translated incorrectly, which has had major effects on the attitudes of humanity as a whole.
Timshel’s true meaning is ‘thou mayest’ however it is translated as ‘thou must’.
This is used further in the book in scenarios of moral dilemma, for example when Caleb, who is a parallel to Cain, needs to decide whether to fight the impulses he has for violence and hatred which are given to him by his mother or to better himself and escape from the vicious circle of pain caused by generational suffering.
The word ‘timshel’ reflects this perfectly in the original Hebrew which allows one to make oneself’s decisions rather than being a slave to fate.
The theme of breaking free from fate is discussed with such depth and power that it will find a way to influence your real life decisions.
The reception of the book upon its original release was mixed, with many religious people interpreting it as an attack on their faith.
However, to make a challenging point you will be challenged.
There have been very few revolutionary acts that have come without challenge and East of Eden is not an exception.
One of the most fascinating parts of the book are the letters that Steinbeck wrote to his friends regarding the book.
They began with Steinbeck realising he had a good idea on his hands, gradually progressed to letters in which his excitement towards East of Eden are evident even through the page and end with him being confident that this would be his magnum opus, the sum of his life’s work.
I would recommend this book to anyone with time to read it, to honour his legacy and to experience the life altering orchestra of characters and morals that is East of Eden.
