my first steinbeck; he's quite readable. i wonder if he's the origin of the sweeping, epic novel that spans generations?

using the cain and abel story, and applying it to 2 different sets of brothers, steinbeck seems to reach a different conclusion each time. in between the 2 sets of conflicts, the characters actually talk about the significance of the cain and abel story and decide the story is not about cain's evil past and subsequent 'mark', but that cain may actually be favoured through his ability to choose his recourse - and this is how the cain (caleb) of the second set of brothers acts: starting as mean, he recognizes his own weakness where his brother and father are concerned and tries to become a better man. yes, he stumbles and ultimately causes his brother's death, but his intentions are mostly for the good and he feels genuine remorse for his actions.

i think the author means to tell us we are all decended from cain's blood but that we each can make a choice in life, and not be victim of whatever bloodline we have.

although this novel has many christian allegories in it, i think steinbeck is more of a secular humanist. especially with his character of lee: intelligent, well-read, non christian, foreign and posibly gay.