The central point that I've seen so far in East of Eden is that it dramatizes the continuous conflict between good and evil within individuals and in society as a whole. The most important contrast explored in this first section, however, is that between the large, loving Hamilton family and the small, tension-ridden Trask family. The difference between these two families represents the differing moral environments in which their children later develop. In this essay, I will try to explain how Steinbeck explores the clash between good and evil through a number of contrasts; his introduction, and the main focus who are Adam and Charles.
Steinbeck begins the novel with a detailed description of the natural landscape and beauty of the Salinas Valley where he grew up, establishing an important early symbol for the conflict between good and evil: the contrast between the dark, threatening Santa Lucia Mountains to the west and the bright, welcoming Gablian Mountains to the east. The narrator, whose voice is really that of Steinbeck, says that he learned to tell east from west by looking at these mountains, symbolizing the human dilemma of having to find the way between light and darkness, goodness and evil. .
The narrator then tells about his grandparents, Samuel and Liza Hamilton, who arrive in the valley from Ireland. They have to settle on the worst land, as the best is already taken. Samuel begins working as a blacksmith to support his nine children; he also works as a well digger and as an unlicensed doctor. Samuel Hamilton is a powerful symbol of good and his bond with his family is very strong. Cyrus Trask, on the other hand, is a menacing symbol of corruption and familial divisiveness. Within the Trask family, the focus of this section, the contrast between Charles and Adam is of significant importance. The plot is essentially a complicated retelling of the Biblical story of Cain and Abel.
