The concept of the "tragedy of the commons" isn't explicitly stated, but the exploitation of the land is a background theme. The shift from family farming to business is depicted with nostalgia and resignation. Economics students can find interesting parallels here. An East of Eden PDF allows for keyword searches related to business and farming. Our content discusses the economic shifts in the Salinas Valley, adding a layer of sociological analysis to the reading. We broaden the scope of the novel beyond just the family drama.