East of Eden Part 1 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Where is the setting east and west to?

Salinas Valley, Gabilan Mountains to East, Santa Lucia Mountains to West.

What is the cycle of weather?

6-7 years, heavy-moderate-dry.

Which three groups of people settled in the Salinas Valley?

Indians, Spanish, Americans.

Who are the grandparents of the narrator?

Samuel and Liza Hamilton. Signup and view all the answers

What is notable about the Hamiltons' family?

They had the driest land and nine children. Signup and view all the answers

Where does Adam Trask settle?

Near Hamilton with fertile land. Signup and view all the answers

What was Cyrus Trask's background?

Father of Adam from Connecticut who passed syphilis from a slave. Signup and view all the answers

What illness does Cyrus' wife have?

Tuberculosis. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Adam beaten by Charles?

He was beaten in a game. Signup and view all the answers

What gifts do Adam and Charles exchange?

A German knife and a stray puppy. Signup and view all the answers

How does Charles escape punishment?

He stays away for two weeks and then cools down. Signup and view all the answers

How many children do Samuel and Liza have?

Four boys and five girls. Signup and view all the answers

What is Liza Hamilton's personality like?

Very moralistic but becomes more relaxed after drinking. Signup and view all the answers

What does Charles do in Connecticut?

Stays home, feels lonely, and seeks out prostitutes. Signup and view all the answers

What does Adam's journey involve?

Fighting five years against Indians. Signup and view all the answers

What is the telegram question for Adam?

Puppy. Signup and view all the answers

What does Adam say to build before going to California?

A memorial. Signup and view all the answers

What does Cathy Ames do with local boys?

Ties herself and lifts her skirt, leading to boys being beaten by their mothers. Signup and view all the answers

What mysterious event involves Cathy as a Latin teacher?

Leads to a mysterious suicide of James Grew. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Cathy’s parents?

She runs to Boston but is beaten; later, she burns, uses chicken blood, and escapes. Signup and view all the answers

What is Cathy’s new name?

Catherine Amesbury. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Edwards do with Cathy?

Manipulates and steals from a ring of prostitutes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the confrontation between Charles and Adam about?

Charles wakes up at 4:30 and believes Adam is lazy. Signup and view all the answers

What does Charles discover near the beating?

A suitcase of money and clothes. Signup and view all the answers

Where do they plan to move after marriage?

California. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Setting and Geography

Salinas Valley located between the Gabilan Mountains to the east and Santa Lucia Mountains to the west.
Weather cycles in the region last 6-7 years, alternating between heavy, moderate, and dry conditions.

Settlers and Families

Three groups of settlers: Indians perceived as lazy, Spanish considered greedy, and Americans seen as more greedy.
Samuel and Liza Hamilton, grandparents of the narrator, had nine children, living on the driest land.
Adam Trask settles near the Hamiltons, taking advantage of fertile land.

Family Background

Cyrus Trask is the father of Adam, originating from Connecticut; he reportedly passes syphilis to a slave during his Army service.
Alice Trask, Cyrus' wife, conceals her battle with tuberculosis.
Samuel and Liza's children include four boys and five girls, with Liza being very moral yet succumbing to indulging in wine.

Character Dynamics

Adam Trask is beaten by his brother Charles over a game, showcasing familial rivalry.
Gifts exchanged between Adam and Charles include a German knife and a stray puppy.
Charles avoids punishment for beating Adam by fleeing for two weeks, eventually returning to work.

Subplots and Events

Adam has a tumultuous journey fighting Indians for five years.
He sends a telegram to inquire about a puppy, linking back to his early attachment to the animal.
Cathy Ames is introduced as a troubled character tied to local boys, highlighting her manipulative nature.

Cathy's Background

Cathy’s life story includes fleeing to Boston but facing violence from her parents; she enacts revenge through acts like burning.
She assumes a new identity as Catherine Amesbury to escape her past.
Mr. Edwards, linked to Cathy, runs a ring of prostitutes, engaging in manipulation and violence.

Conflicts and Relations

Tension grows between Charles and Adam, with Charles feeling betrayed by Adam's confessions and their contrasting lifestyles.
Adam's adventures include temporary absences in places like Boston and South America.
Near a tense confrontation, Adam discovers a suitcase of money and clothes, hinting at deeper plots ahead.

Future Plans

Adam expresses a desire to build a memorial before moving to California, signaling his intentions for a new beginning.

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Description

Test your knowledge of John Steinbeck's 'East of Eden' with these flashcards focusing on the first part of the novel. Explore the setting, key themes, and characters as you quiz yourself on important concepts and definitions. Ideal for students wanting to enhance their understanding of this classic work.