I did like this book. The characters are very life-like and believable and the setting was ideal for a recreation of the Book of Genesis. I've also learned from reading this novel that true evil does not need a motive, as seen in the character of Cathy. Regarding style, I think Steinbeck's use of backstory for all of the characters helps give a deeper understanding as to who they really are. For example, Faye is truly a motherly type, despite running a whorehouse and not having children of her own, Lee is just trying to find his niche in society as a learned Chinese man, and Adam is so blinded by his irrational love for Cathy that he cannot see reason. I feel as if I could truly connect to at least three of the characters on a certain level.
Overall, the book was much more enjoyable then I thought it would be. The character development throughout some of the characters were unusual, yet enjoyable reading. My favorite of these developments was Caleb's chose between good or evil, as the general fight between good and evil has been a subject for all people who deal with moral issues. Steinbeck's style utilizes a lot of history to build up his characters, making them that much more likeable. There is also a lot of irony used in his style. For example, although Cathy's appearance can be described as innocent, she is can be described as pure evil. Also, Steinbeck hinted that Aron represented good while Caleb represented evil. However, both in the end represent good on some level, despite the law of Timshel being used, which showed that the boys controlled their decisions and lives. Over time, the characters defintely became more interesting and easier to relate to.
I personally didn't enjoy the book much. Although i had some background knowledge to guide me, it just didn't catch my interest. I'm looking forward to reading the next book and finishing it saying i enjoyed it.
I thought it was unique that the entire novel was written as a parallel of the Book of Genesis, and although it was obvious and easy to figure out the text connection, it did not act as a detracting point of the novel. I can truly say that I would read another one of his novels. His language was appropriate and easy to understand. The words and sentences flowed with such natural placement that provided a sense of understanding. Overall, i think the book was pretty interesting to read. -Aphnie
I think East of Eaden was a very well thought out and organized novel. I enjoyed how Steinbeck took advantage of the use of bilical illusions in his writing to intensify the storey in order to intrest the reader. I also liked how he made his characters with complicated personalities (like Cathy). In the end of the book alot of doors that Steinbeck left open were closed with a sentmental happy ending.
This was the best novel that we have read, hands down. Ok, at first, I thought it would be yet another novel when I would have to rely on sleepless nights of audio books and Sparknotes to elucidate the context of the book. Then, as I progress, the book got juicer than a Facebook argument. The book that I rued in the beginning turns out to be one of my new favorite books. I don't know if anyone else did but I learned a little more about Steinbeck himself, and found a myriad amount of connections to his life and the story; his life story is basically East of Eden. Ms. Burnett, you were right, author backgrounds and cultural contexts really enhances your reading experience. Furthermore, as much as I think Steinbeck is a great writer, he does have his faults. He is completely and atrociously a sexist man! I have no problem with the degradation of a woman if it pertains to a specific time period but he called a woman an "it" in the novel. Because this isn't the bashing of John Steinbeck, I'll hold my other comments to myself. East of Eden, compared to The Scarlet Letter, was beautiful. I really loved how gullible it falls to analysis' and comprehension. At times, the story did run on but it all tied together once I finished it and actually thought about it. I wish we could have more books like this in the class.
East of Eden was a very interesting read.I think the way how the story was connected to the Bible was very unique.As i read through the pages of the book I become more and more interested in knowing what is going to happen next which made me keep on reading.So far I thought this was my favorite book that i've read for school.
I did like this book. The characters are very life-like and believable and the setting was ideal for a recreation of the Book of Genesis. I've also learned from reading this novel that true evil does not need a motive, as seen in the character of Cathy.
ReplyDeleteRegarding style, I think Steinbeck's use of backstory for all of the characters helps give a deeper understanding as to who they really are. For example, Faye is truly a motherly type, despite running a whorehouse and not having children of her own, Lee is just trying to find his niche in society as a learned Chinese man, and Adam is so blinded by his irrational love for Cathy that he cannot see reason. I feel as if I could truly connect to at least three of the characters on a certain level.
Overall, the book was much more enjoyable then I thought it would be. The character development throughout some of the characters were unusual, yet enjoyable reading. My favorite of these developments was Caleb's chose between good or evil, as the general fight between good and evil has been a subject for all people who deal with moral issues.
ReplyDeleteSteinbeck's style utilizes a lot of history to build up his characters, making them that much more likeable. There is also a lot of irony used in his style. For example, although Cathy's appearance can be described as innocent, she is can be described as pure evil.
Also, Steinbeck hinted that Aron represented good while Caleb represented evil. However, both in the end represent good on some level, despite the law of Timshel being used, which showed that the boys controlled their decisions and lives. Over time, the characters defintely became more interesting and easier to relate to.
I personally didn't enjoy the book much. Although i had some background knowledge to guide me, it just didn't catch my interest. I'm looking forward to reading the next book and finishing it saying i enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was unique that the entire novel was written as a parallel of the Book of Genesis, and although it was obvious and easy to figure out the text connection, it did not act as a detracting point of the novel. I can truly say that I would read another one of his novels. His language was appropriate and easy to understand. The words and sentences flowed with such natural placement that provided a sense of understanding. Overall, i think the book was pretty interesting to read.
ReplyDelete-Aphnie
I think East of Eaden was a very well thought out and organized novel. I enjoyed how Steinbeck took advantage of the use of bilical illusions in his writing to intensify the storey in order to intrest the reader. I also liked how he made his characters with complicated personalities (like Cathy). In the end of the book alot of doors that Steinbeck left open were closed with a sentmental happy ending.
ReplyDeleteThis was the best novel that we have read, hands down. Ok, at first, I thought it would be yet another novel when I would have to rely on sleepless nights of audio books and Sparknotes to elucidate the context of the book. Then, as I progress, the book got juicer than a Facebook argument. The book that I rued in the beginning turns out to be one of my new favorite books. I don't know if anyone else did but I learned a little more about Steinbeck himself, and found a myriad amount of connections to his life and the story; his life story is basically East of Eden. Ms. Burnett, you were right, author backgrounds and cultural contexts really enhances your reading experience. Furthermore, as much as I think Steinbeck is a great writer, he does have his faults. He is completely and atrociously a sexist man! I have no problem with the degradation of a woman if it pertains to a specific time period but he called a woman an "it" in the novel. Because this isn't the bashing of John Steinbeck, I'll hold my other comments to myself. East of Eden, compared to The Scarlet Letter, was beautiful. I really loved how gullible it falls to analysis' and comprehension. At times, the story did run on but it all tied together once I finished it and actually thought about it. I wish we could have more books like this in the class.
ReplyDeleteEast of Eden was a very interesting read.I think the way how the story was connected to the Bible was very unique.As i read through the pages of the book I become more and more interested in knowing what is going to happen next which made me keep on reading.So far I thought this was my favorite book that i've read for school.
ReplyDelete