... down the White Whale. This limits his and eventually all his crew members" perceptions of life which, unfortunately, drives all but one of them to death. In East of Eden, most of the philosophy comes from the Trasks" housekeeper, Lee. He brings up the idea of timshel after carefully studying and translating the Cain and Abel story. This concept gives humans the choice between living an immoral ... or not to overcome sin. "For if "Thou mayest"-it is also true that "Thou mayest not (Steinbeck, 301)."" Near the end of East of Eden, Cal chooses to live his own life and denies any part of hi...

• Word Count: 1622
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School