Cindy Cardenas Mrs. Dossetti I.B English year 1 The truth will set you free In the book:East of Eden. Steinbeck uses his main theme; humanity has the ability to choose thus evolvetheir nature can evolve. In particular, Steinbeck develops Caleb’s character and his ability to accept the truth and react to situation and events. Steinbeck’s use of Caleb’s capability of accepting the truth and the motifs of filial acceptance, confusion of identity, and the desire to be good; to demonstrate the importanceof accepting the truth although painful can help improve our nature: of wanting to be good. Caleb's character is described as an individual that knows how to trick and outsmart people. In school he is portrayed as a stoic by kids around his age and adults. This can be seen in “Cal was growing up dark-skinned, dark-haired. He was quick and sure and secret. Adults were impressed with what seemed to them a precocious maturity, and they were a little frightened at it too. No one liked Cal very much and yet everyone was touched with fear of him and through fear with respect”(pg.419). He is also one of the few characters that is able to accept the truth. In the book there were often times in which he is portrayed as a villain, but despite that he is very much a kind loving person “From His first memory Cal had craved warmth and affection just as everyone does.” ( pg.440 ) and “ Cal very naturally competed for attention and affection in the only way he knew -by trying toimitate Aron” is when he definitely demonstrates that he is not
