John Steinbeck's East of Eden was published in the 1950s, 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 sought a sense of calm. This desire for comfort has led to an increase in conventional lifestyles and conventional gender roles. Therefore, women were defined as mothers or wives in society, lacking identity and independence. Steinbeck, however, resisted 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 defy social expectations of the submissive woman, all possessing inner strength. Furthermore, these three women play a fundamental role in the text. Steinbeck successfully criticized mid-20th century male authors' stereotypical view of the traditional woman through his illumination of strong female characters. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Cathy Ames uses her sexuality and inner strength to manipulate others and gain power over men, ultimately gaining an independence in which she challenges traditional female roles. From causing her Latin teacher to commit suicide to having sex with countless men in her brothel for protection, Cathy has dehumanized and ruined the lives of many men around her. His rejection of social norms and capitalization of his sexuality begins in his childhood. At an early age, Cathy realizes that she can use sex as an advantage: “At ten Cathy knew something of the power of the sexual impulse and began to experiment with it coldly” (Steinbeck 74). Throughout the novel Cathy “experiment[s]” 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 around her . For example, after Cathy is beaten by Richard Edwards, she tempts Adam with her sexuality to get money. Unfortunately, her plans fail and she becomes Adam's wife and the mother of his children. Her relationship with her husband and children 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 actually endorsing Cathy's lifestyle, Steinbeck nevertheless rejected the typical "mother and wife" figures to which women have been subjugated through his characterization of Cathy Ames. Liza Hamilton displays a sense of inner strength throughout East of Eden, which was an unlikely depiction of women in the 1950s. Although Liza seems like an idealistic image of the perfect mid-20th century woman, given her naïve 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 children, he asks Liza to offer assistance to Cathy: "And if Liza won't come, tell her we need a woman's hand here and a woman's clear eyes" (Steinbeck 194). Samuel is aware of his wife's strong characteristics and, therefore, entrusts Cathy's help to her. Although she emphasizes the fact that she is a woman and that they need "a woman's hand" and "a woman's clear eyes",.