The plot of Steinbeck's East of Eden has the issue of money closely intertwined with the stories of most of the main characters. On the surface money seems to be accepted by society and serves as a solution to all problems; on numerous occasions, the rich can afford the best lands and the latest technologies. However, a closer look reveals that money is actually quite impotent. Steinbeck often presents wealthy characters as discouraged by their surroundings or roles in life. Consequently, through his treatment of the characters in East of Eden, Steinbeck suggests that financial success cannot buy happiness and love, but can only lead to isolation from society. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Many characters try to buy love, but fail. Cyrus, for example, arouses suspicion rather than admiration in his children. “'I think he stole the money,' said Carlo miserably,” after reading Ciro's will (69). He feels betrayed by the father he loves. Even Adam, who never mourned Cyrus' death but freely accepted and used his share of the inheritance, observes, "He was a thief... He stole from the GAR" (582). Ciro's wealth leaves an imprint of remorse rather than respect on his children. Charles, in return, tries to buy his father's love. He spends sixpence on a knife for Cyrus' birthday, which is not appreciated: "Where's that knife?... I never even saw him sharpen it" (29). Angry at the lack of attention he receives for his expensive gift, Charles tries to take his anger out on his innocent brother. Adam does not try to get his father's attention, but instead lavishes money and attention on his wife and son Aron, where it is useless. Cathy leaves the ranch as soon as she is well enough and Aron never bothers to say anything to his father. Adam's carefully thought-out gift to Aron goes unheeded: "He took not the gold watch" (573). Interestingly, just like the previous generation, while the father is busy chasing the son who doesn't love him, the other neglected son is busy finding ways to get noticed by his father. Cal works hard for a large and valuable gift of fifteen thousand dollars for his father, only to have it rejected and told that it doesn't match his brother going to college. "I would have been so happy if you could have given me - well, what your brother has - pride in what he is doing, joy in his progress. Money, even clean money, doesn't compare to that" (544). All these futile attempts prove that money is not enough to buy love. Instead of benefits, money can actually lead to isolation. In Eden Valley, wealthy characters are often isolated from society. Both Adam and Charles, wealthy by their father's will, have enough to live comfortably so that they do not have to work and therefore interact with others. Yet Charles, even though he is rich, is so miserly that he "never spent a cent. He stole a dollar until the eagle screamed" (372). He works like crazy on the farm and never has any fun. Even small sums are fought over: "Do you remember when you sent me a telegram for a hundred dollars? You never returned it" (108). Charles even wants to redeem his brother so that he will not be disturbed (107). Her brother, Adam, also takes advantage of her financial stability by wallowing in self-pity after Cathy leaves. His salary to Lee ensures that he and his children will be fed and their house will be cleaned. He never bothers to visit the neighbors because, since he has money," (541).