Timshel – Freedom and Choice
Upon rereading Steinbeck's "East of Eden," I am once again struck by the elegant way he captures the discovery of truth. This one word has resonated with me since my initial reading at Seaholm High School.
Origin and History
"Timshel" is a Hebrew word, which translates to "thou mayest." Its origins can be found in the Bible, specifically in the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4:7. The verse, in which God speaks to Cain about sin and mastery over it, contains the word "timshel." However, there's been some debate among scholars and theologians over the precise translation of the word from the Hebrew text. Depending on the interpretation, it could mean "thou shall," "thou will," or "thou mayest."
"East of Eden" by John Steinbeck
In Steinbeck's novel "East of Eden," the word "timshel" plays a pivotal thematic role. The story revolves around the Trask and Hamilton families and their generations-long reenactments of the biblical tale of Cain and Abel. The novel deeply explores the ideas of good versus evil, destiny, and the nature of humanity.
In the book, the character Lee, a Chinese-American servant, becomes deeply invested in understanding the exact translation of "timshel" from the Bible. Lee, Samuel Hamilton, and Adam Trask engage in an extended conversation about its meaning. After much research and conversation with Hebrew scholars, Lee discovers that the word is best translated as "thou mayest."
For Steinbeck, and subsequently for his characters, this interpretation carries profound implications. "Thou mayest" implies a choice. It suggests that humans have the freedom to choose between good and evil, that our destiny isn't preordained. We aren't inherently doomed to sin or virtue, but rather, each person has the agency to determine their path.
In the context of the novel, this interpretation offers hope. It signifies that, no matter one's past or inherited sins, there's always an opportunity for redemption and change. One can always choose a different path.
Steinbeck's emphasis on "timshel" underscores a central theme of "East of Eden": the perpetual human struggle between dark and light, and the profound power of choice that lies within each individual.