In John Steinbeck's "East of Eden," he portrays the arrival of Spaniards who, driven by their ambition, sought wealth and spiritual dominance. Their exploration was grounded in a relentless pursuit for gold and conversion, reminiscent of how individuals today might acquire property. The explorers viewed the new lands not just as territories, but as assets to be claimed and owned.

The Spaniards' approach was methodical, collecting land and souls in a manner similar to amassing jewels or valuables. This metaphor highlights their pragmatic and materialistic view of the world, where the richness of nature and the essence of humanity were treated as commodities to be exploited for gain.