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Return to Film page return to East of Eden page Part A Discussion in a group is an ideal way to enhance your interpretation of the film. The following questions are suggested starting points for discussion. How does the title of the movie relate to the story? What is the function of scripture and religion within the movie? In what ways does the movie allude to Genesis chapters 2-4? Identify the significance within the film of each of the major themes and major symbols. How does the war function in different ways to each of the main characters? What does it mean to Adam? Cal? Others? How does the money function in different ways to each of the main characters? What does it mean to Cal? Cate? Adam? Others? What are the social and theological issues exhibited by each of the relationships within the family unit, namely, between the brothers, between the parents, and between each son and each parent? Also, what is the social and theological significance of the relationship between the mother and both sons together and the father and both sons together (that is, within these sub-sets of three)? What is the function in the narrative of Abra? What is the meaning of the scene at “the tree of knowledge”? What is the function of the Sheriff? Other minor characters? How does the movie explain the personal and social problems of Cal’s anxiety/anguish? How do you explain his problems biblically? What does the movie say about the sin problem? How does this compare to biblical instruction on the human problem? Part B Select one of the major characters of the film, namely, Adam, Cal, Abra, Cate, or Aron. Interact with and challenge the view of humanity and sin and righteousness held by this character. Your interpretation should be based upon a viable interpretation of the film (see part A above). Here are guiding questions—starting points for thinking through the respective characters. Adam Summarize the realization of Adam concerning the possibility or impossibility of preserving the next generation from being spoiled by sin and death. What was his strategy for training up Aaron? Cal? What did Adam think the place of scripture in life is supposed to be? What changed his views? What did he learn? In what ways is Adam’s new view right, and how is he still off track? Cal Summarize Cal’s view of human sin and the possibility of righteousness through most of the film, based on his relationship with Adam, Cate, Aron, and Abra. What opened his eyes to hope for change and righteous living? In what ways is Cal’s new perspective in accordance with scripture, and how is it against the biblical vision of humanity? Abra How did Abra’s problems with her father shape her view of inner-family conflict and resolution? How did the relationship between Abra’s character and love and sensual desire shape her view of the human problem? What did she learn through the course of the story? How would you concur or challenge Abra’s thinking from a scriptural perspective? Cate How did Cate’s view of money, sin, hypocrisy, and the misuse of power inform her understanding of the human situation? Why did she take the approach she did toward her relationship with Adam? Cal? Aron? How is Cate’s thinking in line with and out of line with the biblical interpretation of humankind? Aron How did the problem of the lettuce interrelate with the problem of Aron? What led to Aron’s end, knowledge of the truth, or was it something else? Why? How is Aron’s character in the beginning and end of the film tragic from a biblical vantage point?
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