Good And Evil In John Steinbeck's East Of Eden

In East of Eden Cathy and Cal embody the concept of evil, profound immorality, wickedness, and depravity unlike the term good, morally excellent, virtuous, and righteous. Although, these characters are given the title evil they still have the potential to be good despite the motivations and actions that have caused this assertion. For instance, Cal contemplates with the idea of “Timshel”(Heavilin 21) and realizes he doesn't have to be an image of “Cathy's....evil monstrosity”(Heavilin 23). Likewise, Cathy has some moments of morality before she dies such as her reminisces about Arons purity. The concept of good and evil causes Cathy and Cal’s human nature to effect the outcome of their lives along with others.
Steinbeck shows that throughout Cathy's life she has done what is beneficial to herself regardless of what occurred to others. From a young age Kathy manipulates others into unfavorable situations such as the instance with her fellow male peers and latin teacher. …show more content…
While Evil may be those who are unable to empathise with others causing their own needs and desires to be of paramount importance. Good is a lack of self-centredness and the ability to empathise with other people, to feel compassion for them, and to put their needs before your own. Cathy and Cal were no exception to these terms and show two different outcomes from the attempted balance. Yet, the possible reasons for the nature of Cathy and Cal originates from the lack of love, fear, and jealousy they felt from other people. Which is prominent in why Cathy and Cal develop into the people they are and the eventual ideals Cal will pass on to the future Trask generation. To conclude, evil and good is seen through the conflicts of the characters Cathy and Cal, and a universal understanding of the battle between good and evil is reviled in Steinbeck's exploration of these