East of Eden
It is what every human being wants in life, but no one ever seems to fully achieve it, it is the hopes and aspirations of every American, yet rarely are these goals ever met. It is the American Dream. Yet I'm sure if you ask each person what the American dream is you'll get a different answer every time. Some people may think of it as becoming rich and living an enjoyable life, driving expensive cars, living in elegant homes and wearing expensive clothing. Or to others it could mean having a beautiful perfect wife, or living a life where you are well respected and well known through other individuals. My definition of the American dream would be "pretty much having everything you ever wanted". Imagine living your life like that ! How happy would it make you feel ? Or maybe living the American dream could complicate your life and you wouldn't be able to cope with the wealth and happiness. In the story East of Eden, John Steinbeck shows us how the American Dream is potrayed through each character. Each character in this book has their own different idea of what the American dream really is, becoming rich and wanting a better life for one's children seem to be a common in the lives of Faye, Cathy, Adam and
Faye is another who wants to ensure that her daughter Cathy gets a "better life". When Cathy says that she wants a job, Faye gets upset because she wants to be able to spend time with her. She doesn't want Cathy to work as a prostitute, but Cathy feels she must work. Even though Cathy is not her real daughter, Faye feels that being a whore is not a better life for a woman from a rich family. Cyrus Trask believes that money makes a better life too. Since he left a large sum of money with his sons. With his job and the money he earned, he is able to enjoy a high class life as a military private. Becoming rich and independently wealthy is probably the most important part of the American dream. Every character seems to think its important even those with little money. Faye obtains her wealth by running a successful whore house. When adopting Cathy as her daughter, Faye tells her "I no, we have cash and securities in excess of sixty thousand dollars. In my desk are notations of accounts and safe- deposit boxes. I sold the place in Sacremento for a very good price" (233). After she heard this news, Cathy soon realizes that she will inherit a large amount of money. Both of them feel that being financially stable during your life is one of the most, important aspects of life if you want to live a life of happiness and wealth. Adam Trask is also a strong believer that money is the only way for one to live a life of luxury. When, inherit
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Approximate Word count = 980
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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