East of Eden: a study of human development The characteristics of people are formed by multiple factors. In many situations, children grow up in similar conditions, yet their later characteristics and life choices are very different. In the book East of Eden, author John Steinbeck explores the development of human beings, from childhood, to adulthood, and finally to death. East of Eden, by John Steinbeck, is a genealogical novel about the life of the Trasks, particularly the book's main character, Adam Trask. Along the way, the Hamiltons, the Ames, and many other characters are introduced. Steinbeck takes pains to show the ever-changing nature of some characters, while describing the incessant static nature of others. In East of Eden, John Steinbeck presents his view on the construction of human behavior and the components embedded in it. Setting is an important element in East of Eden. Stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes of Salinas Valley, California are described. "The Salinas Valley... is a valley between two mountain ranges... On the valley's wide, flat acres, the loam lies deep and fertile... Beneath the live oaks, shaded and dark, the maidenhair tree bloomed and exuded a smelled good, and under the mossy banks of the streams hung whole clumps of five-fingered ferns and goldenbacks” (Steinbeck p. 480). Steinbeck then goes on to describe the human history of these areas. The groups of peoples who lived there are described in broad generalizations. "First there were the Indians, an inferior race without energy, inventiveness or culture... their warfare was a tired pantomime. Then came the harsh and dry Spaniards explore... middle of paper... original Hebrew text dies and discovers that the verb used there is "timshel." The literal English translation of Timshel is "thou mayest." one's life. Steinbeck recognizes the fact that one's environment can influence them, however, he also recognizes that one can work with what one is given and make the best of it. Steinbeck summarizes these views best in a dialogue with Samuel and Adam of a pig a racehorse," said Adam. "No," said Samuel, "but you can make a pig very fast" (659). Works Cited Steinbeck, John. The Moon Is Set, Cannery Row, The Valley of the Eden, Of Mice and Men New York: Heinemann/Octopus, 1979. pp.475 - 896. Steinbeck, John. East of Eden. New York: Viking, 1952.