The Tragic Journey Of A Boy Into Adulthood Essay Example

is the rattlesnake that Pepe sees when he was crawling through the woods in the direction of the ridge peak and “he backed up and took another way” (441), once again, exhibiting the fear of child. A third example is the encounter that Pepe has with “a big tawny mountain lion” (442) who was indifferent to Pepe’s presence and proceeded to sit and watch the boy from a distance but quickly ran away when it heard the sound of dogs barking and horses running (443) making evident that the lion doubted Pepe’s abilities as a man but only reacted when it felt the real danger approaching.Throughout his struggle in the wilderness, Pepe comes to realize that, in fact, he is not the man he perceived himself to be.

Steinbeck applies biblical symbols from the Old Testament, which is based on the original sin, to illustrate a metaphorical interpretation of mankind. As Adam and Eve, were the parents of Cain and Abel, Papa Torres and Mama Torres were the parents of Pepe (426).As in the story of Cain and Abel, Cain was banished into the wilderness by God as punishment for murdering his brother and feared that he would be killed by man, Pepe also runs into the mountains after killing a man for fear of being killed by his accusers (430-431). As Moses was a Hebrew child raised by the Egyptians, Pepe was also a mestizo child influenced by two cultures (426). These are a few examples of the author providing the reader the opportunity to depict the influence of the Old Testament in his writing.

Steinbeck also uses many biblical symbols from the New Testament, which

is based on redemption.For example, Jesus Christ was born in a stable, surrounded by barn animals and nature as Pepe was born on a farm, among cows and horses (425-426). Another example is Jesus’ Last Supper with his apostles; he ate and drank among them, and was betrayed by Judas, forsaking Jesus’ manhood as Pepe had dinner and drinks at Mrs. Rodriguez’ house, and then he is betrayed by a man who insults Pepe’s manhood (430-431). As Jesus carried his cross up to the Mount of Calvary, where he died at the hands of his prosecutors, Pepe also climbed up the mountain and bared the crime of murder, faced his accusers and accepted his fate (444-445).Again, Steinbeck exposes the influence of the New Testament in his work.

In conclusion, John Steinbeck’s use of various forms of symbolism relays a message of manhood and mankind. The reader experiences Pepe’s transformation of an innocent child into a dignified man. Steinbeck also demonstrates the allegory of mankind who falls from grace through the act of sin but is redeemed through sacrifice and forgiveness. The author conveys both messages and makes this story a moral lesson of humankind.