East of Eden

For some reason I wasn't expecting, and didn't notice at first, so much biblical symbolism. I've never actually read the book. It's a very intriguing modern telling of the story of Cain and Able..

I wonder how much of the character was re-written for James Dean, or if he was chosen because the character fit him well. I like the parts James Dean played, but I'm a little confused as to why he's held in icon status with Marilyn Monroe, or Elvis Prestley. The character's he played (and the same with early Marlon Brando work) don't really fit the macho cool character I imagine in the fifties. Today we'd call them emo.