As Joshua has commented that he feels no emotional connection to the characters in the novel, we used this observation to highlight a critical element of Naturalism: a detached third person point of view that comments empirically on what he sees with no emotion or sympathy . In this regard, we examined the opening paragraph of the novel that focuses on natural elements , the external, not the characters' inner thoughts. Further, I again addressed the biblical allusions in the first chapters-The Garden of Eden and the snake. We then reviewed all of the characters introduced in rapid succession in chapter 2 and studied Steinbeck's characterization of each. We specifically addressed Steinbeck's harsh and negative view of women as evidenced in his description of Curley's flirtatious wife.