Good versus Evil in the Valley of Eden The idea of ​​good versus evil is illustrated in several ways in The Valley of Eden by John Steinbeck . This is seen through the external conflicts in the novel, the internal conflicts of the characters, and a universal understanding of the battle between good and evil. The external conflicts between the main characters, Cathy and Adam, reflect the idea of ​​good versus evil in their relationship. Cathy, who is very similar to Satan, creates a huge fight between Adam and his brother Charles with her manipulations. Later, he ruins Adam's dreams and breaks his heart when he shoots him and leaves, sending Adam into a deep depression. After twelve years, Adam emerges from his dream world and confronts Cathy. Cathy now goes by the name Kate and works at a brothel called Faye's. Despite his actions, Adam realizes that he doesn't even hate Cathy for the pain she has caused him. He finds peace with himself, renewing the relationship with his children, once abandoned. Then there's the relationship between Charles and Adam. Charles physically and mentally abuses Adam to the point that he tries to kill him when Charles thinks that their father, Cyrus, loves Adam more. Through it all, Adam still loves Charles, even after discovering that Charles and Cathy had slept together and that his children may have even been fathered by Charles. Later in the novel, Adam forgives Charles and writes him a letter to try to put their differences aside, only to find that Charles is dead. Cal and Aron are Cathy's twin sons. In their relationship they also have many conflicts, Aron, the "good" son, studies religion and Cal, the "bad" son, gambles and frequents brothels. Aron tries to convert Cal, but Cal refuses to convert a... middle of paper... sin, while the second orders him to do so. The inconsistency causes Lee to study the original Hebrew text with his Chinese philosophical elders and a rabbi. Together they discover that the original Hebrew text uses the word timshel: you can rule over sin. This verb emphasizes that a person has the power of free will, placing the ultimate decision whether to perform good or bad actions in his hands. The idea that man's relationship with good and evil is not predestined is a central idea in this novel. The conflict between good and evil is a universal battle. Many characters in the novel East of Eden struggle both internally and externally with Good versus Evil. Works Cited Steinbeck, John. The Wrath of Wrath, The Moonset, Cannery Row, East of Eden, Of Mice and Men. New York: Heinemann/Octopus, 1979, pp.475 - 896.