Comparison of East of Eden and Frankenstein with the Book of Genesis
Bailey Hatch
Mr. Kirkpatrick
AP English
25 August 2014
Comparison of East of Eden and Frankenstein with the Book of Genesis The basic story ideas in the Book of Genesis could be found in every novel written if one looks deep enough for them. However, in John Steinbeck’s East of Eden and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, the similarities are very prominent and easy to connect with the biblical tales. Many of the characters have similar personalities and are named in a similar fashion or with a certain prophecy in mind. Steinbeck’s novel is specifically tantamount to the story of Cain and Abel whereas Shelley’s novel is comparable to the creation story. The biblical themes continue throughout the duration of both works of literature.
Steinbeck’s entire novel could be compared to the Book of Genesis chapter four, the story of Cain and Abel. Steinbeck thoroughly explores the conflict between good and evil throughout the course of his best-seller. Cain and Abel could represent both Charles and Adam and the next generation of Caleb and Aron. Steinbeck even kept the beginning letters of ‘C’ and ‘A’ the same. It was said in the Book of Genesis verse two of chapter four that Cain was “a tiller of the ground” and Abel was “a keeper of the sheep” (New King James version). After their father Cyrus’ death, Charles takes over the family farm and works tirelessly every day while Adam does not want to be tied down with that profession and would rather wander the country. Likewise Caleb invests in beans during the wartime while Aron works hard to become a priest. In the Book of Genesis God rejects Cain’s offering of fruit, which could be compared to how Cyrus prefers Adam over Charles and then Adam rejects Cal’s money offering at Thanksgiving dinner. After this rejection Cain kills Abel. Charles proceeds to attack and almost kill Adam after coming to the realization that Cyrus loves Adam more, and Caleb shows Aron their mother and her brothel in response to his father
Mr. Kirkpatrick
AP English
25 August 2014
Comparison of East of Eden and Frankenstein with the Book of Genesis The basic story ideas in the Book of Genesis could be found in every novel written if one looks deep enough for them. However, in John Steinbeck’s East of Eden and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, the similarities are very prominent and easy to connect with the biblical tales. Many of the characters have similar personalities and are named in a similar fashion or with a certain prophecy in mind. Steinbeck’s novel is specifically tantamount to the story of Cain and Abel whereas Shelley’s novel is comparable to the creation story. The biblical themes continue throughout the duration of both works of literature.
Steinbeck’s entire novel could be compared to the Book of Genesis chapter four, the story of Cain and Abel. Steinbeck thoroughly explores the conflict between good and evil throughout the course of his best-seller. Cain and Abel could represent both Charles and Adam and the next generation of Caleb and Aron. Steinbeck even kept the beginning letters of ‘C’ and ‘A’ the same. It was said in the Book of Genesis verse two of chapter four that Cain was “a tiller of the ground” and Abel was “a keeper of the sheep” (New King James version). After their father Cyrus’ death, Charles takes over the family farm and works tirelessly every day while Adam does not want to be tied down with that profession and would rather wander the country. Likewise Caleb invests in beans during the wartime while Aron works hard to become a priest. In the Book of Genesis God rejects Cain’s offering of fruit, which could be compared to how Cyrus prefers Adam over Charles and then Adam rejects Cal’s money offering at Thanksgiving dinner. After this rejection Cain kills Abel. Charles proceeds to attack and almost kill Adam after coming to the realization that Cyrus loves Adam more, and Caleb shows Aron their mother and her brothel in response to his father