East of Eden: Chapter Summaries

The novel spans 4 parts covering two generations of the Trask family (and the Hamilton family) from Civil War through WWI, retelling Cain and Abel twice.

Part 1: Connecticut & First Generation (Chapters 1-11)

Introduction: Steinbeck introduces Salinas Valley and the Hamilton family (his mother's actual relatives). Samuel Hamilton, Irish immigrant with 9 children, struggles on poor land but remains intellectually alive and optimistic.

Cyrus, Adam & Charles: Cyrus Trask lies about his war record but becomes influential. He favors son Adam over Charles. When the boys give birthday gifts, Cyrus treasures Adam's cheap puppy but barely acknowledges Charles's expensive knife. Charles beats Adam nearly to death (Cain and Abel pattern begins) but doesn't kill him.

Adam & Cathy: Adam meets Cathy Ames, doesn't see her evil. Samuel recognizes it immediately ("I think you're a devil"). Adam marries Cathy, moves to Salinas Valley. Cathy shoots Adam and abandons their newborn twins.

Part 2: Cal & Aron's Childhood (Chapters 12-23)

Naming the Twins: Samuel forces catatonic Adam to name his sons: Caleb and Aron (echoing Cain and Abel). Lee becomes their surrogate father.

Lee & Timshel: Lee's Chinese relatives spend years studying Genesis 4:7 in Hebrew, discovering "timshel" means "thou mayest"—giving humans choice rather than command or promise. This becomes the novel's philosophical center.

Part 3: Cal's Choice (Chapters 24-34)

Cal's Gift Rejected: Cal earns money from beans during WWI and gives it to Adam. Adam rejects it (like God rejecting Cain's offering), preferring Aron's academic/religious success.

Cal "Murders" Aron: Feeling rejected, Cal shows Aron that their mother runs a brothel. Aron, who needs the world to be pure, cannot handle this. He gets drunk, recklessly enlists in WWI, and is killed.

Part 4: Timshel (Chapters 35-55)

Adam's Stroke: After Aron's death, Adam has a stroke. Cal is drowning in guilt, begging forgiveness.

Final Word: Adam struggles to speak one word: "timshel." This gives Cal permission and blessing to choose good despite his guilt. Unlike Cain who was cursed, Cal receives blessing and choice. The novel ends with Cal able to choose his path forward.