East of Eden Part 1 Flashcards

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.

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.