Andrea Buchanan
Ms. Sanchez
AP Literature and Composition, Period 0
15 March 2010
Blog #4: Text Connections
The main text-to-text connection that can be found in Steinbeck’s novel is the story of Caleb and Aron paralleling the story of Cain and Abel from the Book of Genesis in the Old Testament in the Bible. The sons of Adam Trask are named after Cain and Abel, with Caleb representing Cain and Aron representing Abel. Stories of these two boys parallel the trials and tribulations of Cain and Abel. Aron attracts more attention and love, just as Abel attracts the affection of God. Caleb serves to be the older brother that is the hard worker but feels that he does not receive the same amount of love that Aron receives, similar to the plight of Cain. Their professions also provide a connection to the classic Biblical story. Aron became the hunter, mirroring Abel, while Caleb became the farmer, depicting Cain. Towards the close of the novel, Caleb faces a similar challenge that Cain faced. Caleb experiences a great feeling of jealous of Aron and although he does not want to feel the jealousy, he lets it get the better of him. To get back at Aron, Caleb exposes the truth of who their mother really is. This sends Aron over the edge and he eventually enlists in the army where he meets is fate and dies. Caleb carries around the guilt that his decisions have killed Aron, just as Cain feels guilty for killing Abel. The themes of brotherly temptation, rivalry, and desire to be accepted and love are exemplified throughout the course of Steinbeck’s novel and provide a modern adaptation of a classic tale.
I agree with you that the biblical text connection is one of the most powerful in the novel. There are many similar parallels to the story of Cain and Able in Genesis. I felt that this was a powerful text connection not only because it is(as you said) a modern adaptation of a classic story, but also because it gave the reader a greater insight into the characteristics and personalities of not twins Cal and Aron, but also of brothers Charles and Adam.
ReplyDelete*not only wins Cal and Aron, but also of brothers, Charles and Adam.
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