I love East of Eden so much. I have only read it once a few years ago and I keep intending to read it again. I have read that Steinbeck’s translation of timshel is just wrong, but I like to think Lee is just making a point, about which I agree with you (and him). Such a wonderful, deep character.

Thank you for writing this in-depth discussion of this great work. I went to California late last year and made a pilgrimage to Salinas to the Steinbeck library/center. I have had EoE in my head ever since.