With its intricate and complex plot, imbued with an abundance of emotional turmoil, East of Eden by John Steinbeck truly succeeds in fulfilling its author's intention to "make shatters the reader's nerves." When one is finally satisfied with the novel's progression, Steinbeck orders a dramatic turn of events that turns the reader's satisfied mindset into hair-pulling frustration in a matter of seconds. Thus, with descriptive imagery, use of theme, and specific diction, Steinbeck undoubtedly manages not to please his reader and is able to elicit vivid reactions. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Steinbeck opens East of Eden with detailed descriptions of the setting. You notice that his description of the Salinas Valley at the beginning of the novel parallels the theme and future progression of the story. It introduces the theme of "balance" and the comparison between good and evil in analogy with the setting; describes his childhood in Salina and states: “I remember that the Gabilan Mountains to the east of the valley were bright and cheerful mountains […] The Santa Lucias stood out against the sky to the west […] they were dark and menacing – hostile and dangerous. I have always found in myself the terror of the West and the love of the East” (Steinbeck 1). Gabilan versus Saint Lucias, love versus brooding, east versus west, birth versus death, good versus evil; the author already alludes to the fact that in everything there will always be a negative side, which causes the readers' anguish. The situations in which the reader feels temporarily satisfied change as the “bad” takes over from the “good”. In his description of the Valley, the author also mentions blue flowers and how white flowers tend to bring out the blue. By putting contrasting colors or events together, one would stand out more. Therefore, by placing the “bad” with the “good”, the “bad” seems worse. The ups and downs, the good and the bad, the dissatisfied and the satisfied, contribute to the emotional turmoil that the active reader experiences. Furthermore, the ambivalent nature of the story prevents the reader from maintaining a single emotion and mentality, as Steinbeck does. capable of turning history on its head instantly. When Adam meets Cathy, readers know that Cathy is evil, although Adam is seemingly unaware. After she recovers, he asks the question: “A wave of love filled him. 'Will you marry me?'” (Steinbeck 120). Adam's naive and innocent words of love cause agitation in the reader. Almost every single individual, both book character and reader, knows Cathy's true nature. On the other hand, Adam's common sense is clouded and disillusioned by his love for her. When he asks her to marry him, the reader is already able to anticipate an unfortunate future that is yet to come. This turn of events gives readers an uncontrollable urge to throw the book and shout at the characters – and perhaps the author – “WHY?” Adam's proposal to Cathy is one of many events that caused an intense reaction in the reader. At times, the atmosphere is downright disturbing. Other times, the atmosphere is playful. With his specific diction, Steinbeck is able to alter his tone and readers' emotions as he pleases. He really enjoys the use of figurative language, especially similes, metaphors or any type of comparison. Using comparison, Steinbeck is able to place any situation on a scale of intensity and give it a negative or positive connotation. At one point in the story, Adam talks to Eva, Kate's assistant. Eva's response is noticeably cold and uninviting, as "the girl's voice has taken on the edge of a blade sharpened on a stone" (Steinbeck 315). There.