Steinbeck’s Self-Revelations in East of Eden

Abstract

Though many scholars have discussed the theme of dysfunctional family relationships in East of Eden, a fuller treatment of the autobiographical elements and intentions in the novel is still needed. A comparison of biographical documents with character developments in Steinbeck’s “big book” demonstrates correspondence between the relationships and emotional difficulties of both its fictional and nonfictional characters and those experienced by the author and his sons. Steinbeck’s maternal heritage unfolds in the nonfictional Hamilton narratives, while his paternal heritage unfolds in the fictional Trask narratives, rendering the novel quasi-autobiographical.