Timshel; meaning “you can,” plays a significant role in East of Eden. It shows that anyone can desire to overcome the vile in their heart and create morality within themselves. In the novel, Steinbeck describes the meaning of Timshel through the introduction of free will, Caleb's internal conflict, and Adam's blessing. Steinbeck describes the meaning of Timshel through the introduction of free will, which plays an important role in the theme. of Cain and Abel and provides Steinbeck's interpretation. Timshel is brought to Lee, the Trask family servant, and discussed by both Samuel Hamilton and Adam Trask. In chapter 24 Lee discusses the idea of ​​timshel showing the different interpretations of it through various translations, in the Hebrew translation it says "thou canst rule over sin" which gives man the choice to fight his sin and overcome it (302). Thus “the translation of timshel into “you can” allows for the liberation of energy in every human being” (Schultz). Timshel not only helps us understand the choices of human beings, but shows that "Steinbeck builds his fiction around the theory that timshel should be translated as "thou may..." tells us his philosophy using the Bible" (Warren ). Steinbeck uses Timshel as a way to bring out his own philosophy about humans from the use of the Bible. This introduction of Timshel through Lee becomes a very important part of the story as well as a theme; with this Steinbeck conveys his ideas and thoughts about the destiny of a man. Timshel then becomes an important part of the story that alters the plot of the story of Cain and Abel by offering free will. Steinbeck interprets Timshel as one of the most important things in the story and... at the heart of the card..."unity" (Schultz). Works Cited Price, Michael. "Champion of the Common Man: John Steinbeck and His Achievements." Bloom's literature. File Web Facts, Inc.. April 8, 2014.Pugh, Scott. “Terrifying Conclusions: Making Sense of Endings in Steinbeck's Fiction.” Steinbeck Review 3.1 (2007): 69-83. Print.Schultz, Jeffrey, and Luchen Li. "East of Eden." Bloom's literature. File Web Facts, Inc.. April 8, 2014.Steinbeck, John. East of Eden. 1952. New York: Penguin, 2002. Print.Steinbeck, John. Diary of a Novel: Letters from the East of Eden. 1969. New York: Penguin, 1990. 108-09. Print.Strecker, Geralyn. "East of Eden." Main plots, fourth edition. Ed. W. Mazzeno Laurence, 4th ed. Salem Press, 2010.Salem Literature Web. 08 April 2014.Warren French, John Steinbeck 1975. Twayne's US Author Series Online New York: GK Hall & Co., 1999.