Cal Trask's Internal Struggle

Cal's battle with his own nature, his jealousy, his guilt, and his eventual hope for redemption.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Early Signs of Darkness

The Watchful Child The Feeling of Rejection Cal feels that his father and everyone else prefer Aron. He is acutely aware of his darker impulses. He begins to manipulate situations to get attention. The Mean Streak Cal takes pleasure in hurting Aron, but then feels guilty. He is a natural liar and manipulator. He is aware of his own cruelty but cannot control it. The Secret Knowledge Cal discovers the truth about his mother at a young age. He keeps this secret, using it as a weapon. He feels a kinship with her, but also a fear of his own potential for evil.

The Discovery of His Mother

The Confrontation The Night Walks Cal begins to wander the streets at night, drawn to the dark side of Salinas. He eventually finds Kate's brothel and realizes that the madam is his mother. The Visit to Kate Cal visits Kate in her gray room. He is both fascinated and repulsed. Kate recognizes him as her kind. Cal is determined not to be like her. The Decision to Keep the Secret Cal decides not to tell Aron or his father. He wants to protect them, but also to keep the knowledge as a power. This secret weighs on him.

The Bean Speculation

The Path to Redemption? The Partnership with Will Cal approaches Will Hamilton with a plan to speculate in beans. He borrows $5,000 from Lee and uses his knowledge of the market. The Success Cal's gamble pays off. He makes $15,000. He believes this money will earn his father's love and make up for the lettuce failure. The Motive Cal's motive is not just money; it is a desperate attempt to buy his father's approval. He wants to be loved as much as Aron is loved.

The Rejection and Its Aftermath

The Crushing Blow The Gift Cal presents the money to Adam with pride. He expects gratitude and love. The Rejection Adam refuses the money, saying it is tainted by war. He tells Cal he would rather have a good life. This is a devastating rejection for Cal. The Anger Cal's love turns to hate. He is determined to hurt his father as he has been hurt. He decides to reveal the truth about Cathy to Aron, knowing it will destroy them all.

The Revelation and Its Consequences

The Unforgivable Act The Guided Tour Cal leads Aron to Kate's brothel. He shows him their mother. Aron is horrified and screams at Kate. He then runs away. The Immediate Aftermath Aron enlists in the army and is killed. Adam suffers a stroke. Cal is left with the weight of his actions. He has destroyed his family. The Guilt Cal is consumed by guilt. He confesses to his father, but Adam cannot respond. Cal feels he is a murderer. He is at his lowest point.

The Hope of Timshel

The Possibility of Redemption The Blessing On his deathbed, Adam whispers 'Timshel' to Cal. This word, meaning 'thou mayest', gives Cal the freedom to choose his own path. It is a gift of forgiveness and hope. The Choice Cal is faced with a choice: to continue in his guilt and darkness, or to accept the blessing and strive to be good. The word 'Timshel' offers him the possibility of redemption. The Open Future The novel ends with Cal standing at a crossroads. He has been given a chance to start anew. His destiny is not predetermined by his mother's blood or his own past. He can choose to be good.

Cal's childhood, 1900-1911

Cal finds out about Kate, 1915

Cal makes money, 1917

Thanksgiving 1917, Adam rejects the money

Cal takes Aron to see Kate, spring 1918

Adam's final blessing, Cal's future, spring 1918