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Margo Jefferson, in responding to the question of rather Cathy represents Steinbeck's negative self image, gives three interesting points on the account of Cathy's characterization. She first states that the relationship of Adam and Cathy is based on the relationship of Steinbeck and his second wife Gwyn. Directly thereafter, she states that Cathy represents the "monster in all of us". Last, she concedes that in a way, Cathy is "what Steinbeck feared most about himself." …

…three different aspects that she believes all played a role in the development of Cathy as a character. The debatable question remains "which aspect was the most important?". Jefferson suggests that throughout the essay that Steinbeck's relationship with Gwyn provides the core structure of Cathy. While she does concede that to a small degree, she was based on Steinbeck's negative self image, and that also, self evidently, she is the exposed monster within us all.