John Steinbeck's East of Eden was published in the 1950s, at a time when having a large family was a virtue and a source of comfort. Given the devastating psychological effects of World Wars I and II and the growing fear of the Cold War, people craved a sense of calm. This desire for comfort has led to an increase in conventional lifestyles and conventional gender roles. Thus, women were defined as mothers or wives in society, lacking identity and independence. Steinbeck, however, opposed this occupation of a traditionalist conception of femininity through his characterization of strong-willed women: Cathy Ames, Liza Hamilton, and Abra Bacon. These three important characters shake up societal expectations of the submissive woman, all possessing inner strength. Additionally, these three women play a central role in the text. Steinbeck successfully criticized the stereotypical view of the traditional woman typical of mid-20th century male authors, by highlighting strong female characters. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayCathy Ames uses her sexuality and inner strength to manipulate others and gain power over man, ultimately gaining an independence that challenges traditional female roles. From driving her Latin teacher to commit suicide to having sex with countless men in her brothel in order to gain protection, Cathy dehumanized and ruined the lives of many men around her . His rejection of societal norms and the capitalization of his sexuality began in his childhood. From a young age, Cathy realizes that she can use sex as an advantage: “At ten, Cathy knew something of the power of the sexual impulse and coolly began to experiment with it” (Steinbeck 74). Throughout the novel, Cathy "experiments" with her body and uses it in a completely unconventional way, contrary to traditional expectations of the female body: she uses her sexuality to get what she wants and humiliate the men who surround. For example, after Cathy is beaten by Richard Edwards, she tempts Adam with her sexuality in order to get money. Unfortunately, her plans backfire and she becomes Adam's wife and mother of his children. Her relationship with her husband and sons highlights her lack of traditionalism: as a wife, she does not care about her husband and his emotions, and as a mother, she does not care about her children. After leaving her family, Cathy spends the rest of the novel working in a brothel, which is particularly significant: her new home and workplace allow her sexuality to flourish. Without truly approving of Cathy's lifestyle, Steinbeck nevertheless rejected the typical "mother and wife" figures to which women were subjected through his characterization of Cathy Ames. Liza Hamilton demonstrates a sense of inner strength throughout East of Eden, which was an unlikely representation of Cathy Ames. women in the 1950s. Although Liza seems to be an idealistic image of the perfect mid-20th century woman, given her simple-minded nature, Steinbeck highlights her vigor and courage. Throughout the novel, it is clear that Samuel Hamilton admires his wife. For example, after Samuel delivers Cathy's babies, he asks Liza to offer help to Cathy: "And if Liza doesn't want to come, tell her we need a woman's hand here and clear eyes of a woman” (Steinbeck 194). Samuel is aware of the strong,.