there are a lot of different readings on the narrator in east of eden. the narrator is a character in the book (though it is also supposed to be steinbeck since the steinbeck family is related to the arc in some way that i cant remember). some of what the narrator says is supposed to be satirical or ironic. i think there is some sense of irony in this quote. at least that is how i always interpreted it since its so obviously a “rugged individualism” jerk off which does not really reflect Steinbeck’s own philosophy. 100% steinbeck was critical of the USSR at this point and even worked with the CIA around this time but he was still engaged with the american “left” which even at its lamest was going to have some small degree of collective spirit. the american dream is an obvious theme in east of eden and one that steinbeck has complicated thoughts on. he takes it pretty literally in that it is a dream and not a reality but the fact that it is still a widespread dream makes it have a huge impact on the lives of americans and i think he finds that admirable. east of eden is an incredible piece of literature and like any good piece of literature, i think it contains a lot of different layers but of course understanding steinbeck’s own opinions around this time is important for interpreting it.
by the end of his life his views definitely got worse and worse though. awful opinions on the vietnam war, for example. grapes of wrath is still one of the best pieces of proleterian literature out there however.
Omg I did forget the narrator was a character I just finished chapter 15 and he started talking about his mother and that threw me for a loop for a second. Thanks for the additional context too!
Edit: just to add I am also really loving the book so far. I love jumping from perspective to perspective in stories and the characters are so interesting.
Edit 2: and also I’m looking forward to reading the grapes of wrath at some point but I have a whole backlog of books at the moment so idk when I’ll get around to it yet.
East of Eden is my favorite book, ever. And I think a large thing about it is how whenever a character makes a speech or statement where they’re absolutely certain, they will be proved wrong for their hubris, almost like an ironic punishment by God. Only one character stays curious and humble, and is portrayed as the wisest, best among all characters.
It is a very biblical book, in the sense that Life, or God, will dole out judgement to people getting too big for their breeches, and to me it is largely about individual and collective sin and redemption. Not that there isn’t a political read of it, but it doesn’t seem to make politics one of its central themes, like in his other works.
nice, glad you’re enjoying it! i think east of eden is his “best” book but grapes of wrath is so endlessly quotable it’s insane. you will definitely like it if you already fuck with his writing style
there are a lot of different readings on the narrator in east of eden. the narrator is a character in the book (though it is also supposed to be steinbeck since the steinbeck family is related to the arc in some way that i cant remember). some of what the narrator says is supposed to be satirical or ironic. i think there is some sense of irony in this quote. at least that is how i always interpreted it since its so obviously a “rugged individualism” jerk off which does not really reflect Steinbeck’s own philosophy. 100% steinbeck was critical of the USSR at this point and even worked with the CIA around this time but he was still engaged with the american “left” which even at its lamest was going to have some small degree of collective spirit. the american dream is an obvious theme in east of eden and one that steinbeck has complicated thoughts on. he takes it pretty literally in that it is a dream and not a reality but the fact that it is still a widespread dream makes it have a huge impact on the lives of americans and i think he finds that admirable. east of eden is an incredible piece of literature and like any good piece of literature, i think it contains a lot of different layers but of course understanding steinbeck’s own opinions around this time is important for interpreting it.
by the end of his life his views definitely got worse and worse though. awful opinions on the vietnam war, for example. grapes of wrath is still one of the best pieces of proleterian literature out there however.
Omg I did forget the narrator was a character I just finished chapter 15 and he started talking about his mother and that threw me for a loop for a second. Thanks for the additional context too!
Edit: just to add I am also really loving the book so far. I love jumping from perspective to perspective in stories and the characters are so interesting.
Edit 2: and also I’m looking forward to reading the grapes of wrath at some point but I have a whole backlog of books at the moment so idk when I’ll get around to it yet.
East of Eden is my favorite book, ever. And I think a large thing about it is how whenever a character makes a speech or statement where they’re absolutely certain, they will be proved wrong for their hubris, almost like an ironic punishment by God. Only one character stays curious and humble, and is portrayed as the wisest, best among all characters.
It is a very biblical book, in the sense that Life, or God, will dole out judgement to people getting too big for their breeches, and to me it is largely about individual and collective sin and redemption. Not that there isn’t a political read of it, but it doesn’t seem to make politics one of its central themes, like in his other works.
nice, glad you’re enjoying it! i think east of eden is his “best” book but grapes of wrath is so endlessly quotable it’s insane. you will definitely like it if you already fuck with his writing style