Free Study Guide for East of Eden by John Steinbeck
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QUESTIONS - ESSAY TOPICS - BOOK REPORT IDEAS 1.) Trace the change
in the character of Charles from his beginnings as the jealous brother to his
life as a farmer who misses the company of his brother to his final act of vengeance
when he writes his will. 2.) Examine Lee as a member of the Trask household.
What are the boundaries of his role there? Is he more servant or more family member?
3.) Analyze the role of money in the plot of the novel and the attitude
with which the characters regard it. 4.) What is the role of women in
the novel? How do they function in the world of men? 5.) What are some
of the prominent characteristics of Samuel Hamilton? How might he represent America?
6.) Examine one of the minor plots, such as the plot of Faye and Kate
or the plot of Dessie and Tom. How does the minor plot relate to or echo the major
themes of the novel? 7.) How is racism brought out in the novel? Give
specific examples. 8.) Choose two couples in the novel and compare/contrast
them. Where does the novel locate the strength of a good relationship?
9.) Compare and contrast Charles and Cal in relation to the figure of Cain.
10.) Compare and contrast Adam and Aaron in relation to the figure of Abel.
11.) Who/what is the protagonist of the novel? Who what is the antagonist? How
is the conflict resolved? 12.) Trace the development of the main theme
of the novel. Previous Page
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