Review of East of Eden (1955) by Jeff B — 21 Jun 2011
Maybe I don't get Steinbeck, but we have a bizarre backwards allegory here wherein the bad is sympathetic and the "good" is wholly unsympathetic. The bad guy is a productive and helpful--though ostracized--member of the community, while the "good" guys are passive aggressive and haughty.
Is this how Steinbeck views the story of Cain and Abel? If so, he's totally subverted the message. (We are our brothers' keeper.) In this, the iconic question is again subverted because Cal is doing something--though out of jealousy--that isn't at all evil, but really just truthful, and world-shatteringly so.
Extra half-star for James Dean's wonderful portrayal of Cal.
This review of East of Eden (1955) was written by Jeff B on 21 Jun 2011.
East of Eden has generally received very positive reviews.
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