Aron and Caleb Trask are twins in what novel?

"East of Eden" is a novel by Nobel Prize winner John Steinbeck, published in September 1952. Often described as Steinbeck's most ambitious novel, East of Eden brings to life the intricate details of two families, the Trasks and the Hamiltons, and their interwoven stories. The novel was originally addressed to Steinbeck's young sons, Thom and John (then 6½ and 4½ years old, respectively). Steinbeck wanted to describe the Salinas Valley for them in detail: the sights, sounds, smells, and colors.

Adam – newly wed and newly rich – now arrives in California and settles with the pregnant Cathy in the Salinas Valley, near the Hamilton family ranch. Cathy neither wants to be a mother nor to stay in California, but Adam is so happy with his new life that he does not realize there is any problem. Shortly after Cathy gives birth to twin boys, she shoots Adam in the shoulder and flees. Adam recovers but falls into a deep depression. Cathy gives birth to twin boys she names Aron and Caleb, who grow to have vastly different personalities.

The book explores themes of depravity, beneficence, love, and the struggle for acceptance, greatness, and the capacity for self-destruction and especially of guilt and freedom. It ties these themes together with references to and many parallels with the biblical Book of Genesis (especially Genesis Chapter 4, the story of Cain and Abel).

More Info: en.m.wikipedia.org

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15 Comments

Clayton Dean Brannon

The movie is good but in no way is it as good as the book. John Steinbeck was a master with words.

Richard D. Boyle

Great movie. Even greater book. Steinbeck considered it his masterwork. It is an updated allegory of the story of Cain and Abel in which Cain’s offering to God is rejected in favor of that of Abel’s resulting in Cain killing Abel in rage and jealousy. God asks Cain about his brother and he is dismissive of God and says “Am I my brother’s keeper?” God is not happy with this response and banishes Cain to live “in the land of Nod on the East of Eden.” It can be argued that this is Steinbeck’s deepest and most significant work and one of the best books of the 20th century.

Kim

James Dean was wonderful as Cal. Trying and vying for his Father’s love. I know James would have made so many more incredible movies after ‘Giant’. Sadly, it wasn’t meant to be.

earlepg

I really enjoyed a few of Steinbeck's books. Now, with all the good reviews here, I'll have to get a copy of East of Eden.

Mic Fenst

I've enjoyed reading all of Steinbeck's works. East of Eden was easy to read. Some are more difficult to finish.

Don Woodworth

Loved the book. Problem with the answer though, in the novel Cathy didn't name the boys their father did only after an intervention from the Hamilton's and his Chinese manservant, Lee.

Elsy O. Stromberg

Great book, great movie. James Dean was unforgettable in the movie.

Richard G Schwartz

Have not seen the film or read the book in quite some time.

Louella Wilson

Thought I recognised James Dean in the picture.

Valerie Copeland

Good book that I read more than 50 years ago. May be time to revisit.

Richard D. Boyle

Martha Prefontaine, You are correct about the movie only using the latter portion of the book but this is the case with virtually all books of any significance especially the longer ones. To attempt to give even superficial attention to the entire multi-generational saga would require at least a mini-series. This was, in fact, later attempted with only limited success. I believe that the decision to focus on the last 25% of the book was the right decision and that it resulted in a wonderful cast bringing us a very significant film. The book was published in September of 1952 on my 18th birthday and it has always been one of my favorites. The film is also one of my favorites.

Mark G. Feeney

photo of james dean and julie harris gave it away

Martha Prefontaine

Clayton Dean Brannon, I read the novel, then saw the movie. I remember being disappointed because it seemed the movie was about only one half the book. Good movie, but not if you read the book.