East of Eden - Chapter 1: The New Americans

Selenis Valley

• Long and narrow valley in Northern California
• Lies between two mountain ranges
• Selenous River twists through the center, falling into Monterey Bay
• Gabilan Mountains to the east (light, sunny, inviting)
• Santa Lucias to the west (dark, dangerous)
• Floor of the valley: wide, flat, rich soil
• Foothills: poor, thin soil
• 30-year water cycle: good (plentiful rainfall) and bad years (dry, dusty)
• Original inhabitants: Indians, then Spanish soldiers and priests, followed by Americans
• Americans settled in the valley, built farms, roads, and towns like Bradley, King City, Greenfield

The Hamiltons

• Samuel Hamilton, wife Liza from Northern Ireland (1870)
• Settled on poor land in the Hills east of King City
• Samuel: inventive, skilled but not wealthy
• Liza: strict moral code
• Nine children: 4 boys (George, Will, Tom, Joe) and 5 girls (Lizzy, Una, Desie, Olive, Molly)
• Poor soil, no water, thin cattle
• Samuel built a house, barn, blacksmith shop
• Samuel's inventions: well-digging machine, wheat harvester
• Men trusted Samuel, visited his blacksmith shop, bought whiskey
• Samuel helped with births, some knowledge of medicine

Adam Tras

• Born in 1862 in Connecticut during the American Civil War
• Father Cyrus enjoyed army life, lost leg in battle, returned with disease
• Adam grew up with half-brother Charles
• Cyrus: strict military discipline for sons
• Charles: strong, competitive, aggressive
• Adam feared the day he would be sent to the army
• Cyrus favored Adam despite criticizing his weakness
• Adam joined the army, hated violence, saved wounded men
• Letters from Charles during service
• Adam rejoined the army after first term, eventually traveled around
• Arrested for vagrancy, sentenced to road gang, escaped
• Charles received letter from lawyers about father's death
• Adam's realization of freedom from fear

Cathy Ames

• Born without kindness or conscience
• Manipulative, liar, used sexual power for control
• Caused teacher James Gru's suicide
• Ran away from home, returned, changed behavior
• Burned family home, stole money from factory
• Met Mr. Edwards, lied to gain his trust
• Mr. Edwards fell in love, Kate manipulated him
• Mr. Edwards discovered truth, beat her, left her for dead
• Cathy found help, manipulated Adam Tras, married him
• Adam and Cathy moved to California
• Cathy shot Adam, ran away, became Kate

Adam and Cathy in California

• Settled in Selenis Valley
• Built new life, but Cathy unhappy
• Adam wanted to create Eden, Cathy indifferent
• Samuel Hamilton helped with wells
• Cathy attempted self-abortion, Dr. Tilson intervened
• Birth of twins, Cathy disconnected
• Cathy shot Adam, left to become Kate

The Tras Brothers

• Charles and Adam settled father's estate
• Charles suspicious, Adam hopeful
• Cathy became Kate, ran wh house in Selenis
• Adam visited Kate, freed from her control

The Hamilton Family

• Samuel and Liza's children grew up, diverse futures
• Thanksgiving gathering, realization of Samuel's age
• Samuel and Liza planned visit to children
• Samuel's visit to Adam Tras
• Adam's transformation, realization of freedom
• Samuel's departure and death

Kate and Faye

• Kate manipulated Faye, gained control of wh house
• Faye's death, Kate's control over business
• Kate feared exposure, manipulated men
• Kate's end, left everything to Aaron Tras

Cal and Aaron

• Different personalities, Cal resentful of Aaron
• Cal discovered mother's identity, felt guilt
• Cal's business venture with Will Hamilton
• Cal's gift to father rejected, felt anger
• Cal took Aaron to Kate, Aaron's breakdown
• Aaron joined army, died in war
• Cal's guilt and redemption attempt

Ending

• Adam's stroke, Cal's confession
• Lee's support, Cal's realization
• Adam's forgiveness, Cal's future uncertain