East of Eden
And so it was. At breakfast the next morning Adam said, “Boys, Lee is going away.” “Is he?” said Cal. “There’s a basketball game tonight, costs ten cents. Can we go?” “Yes. But did you hear what I said?” “Sure,” Aron said. “You said Lee’s going away.” “But he’s not coming back.” Cal asked, “Where’s he going?” “To San Francisco to live.” “Oh!” said
... See moreJohn Steinbeck • East of Eden
wtf. this is the worst and most depressing part. and now you want me to read the rest of the book about these two characters? these soulless peoplethese soulless people?
It is easy to find a logical and virtuous reason for not doing what you don’t want to do.
John Steinbeck • East of Eden
You will please hold this in your dark secret place, nor tell any of your brothers and sisters—I know why I’m going—and, Tom, I know where I’m going, and I am content. ”
John Steinbeck • East of Eden
people are interested only in themselves. If a story is not about the hearer he will not listen. And I here make a rule—a great and lasting story is about everyone or it will not last. The strange and foreign is not interesting—only the deeply personal and familiar.”
John Steinbeck • East of Eden
“You’re getting well,” Samuel said. “Some people think it’s an insult to the glory of their sickness to get well. But the time poultice is no respecter of glories. Everyone gets well if he waits around.”
John Steinbeck • East of Eden
Adam said, “I’ve wondered why a man of your knowledge would work a desert hill place.” “It’s because I haven’t courage,” said Samuel. “I could never quite take the responsibility. When the Lord God did not call my name, I might have called His name—but I did not. There you have the difference between greatness and mediocrity. It’s not an uncommon
... See moreJohn Steinbeck • East of Eden
She went over the evening in her mind, moving from scene to scene like a sniffing animal.
John Steinbeck • East of Eden
Go through the motions, Adam.” “What motions?” “Act out being alive, like a play. And after a while, a long while, it will be true.” “Why should I?” Adam asked. Samuel was looking at the twins. “You’re going to pass something down no matter what you do or if you do nothing. Even if you let yourself go fallow, the weeds will grow and the brambles.
... See moreJohn Steinbeck • East of Eden
She planted that terror of debt so deeply in her children that even now, in a changed economic pattern where indebtedness is a part of living, I become restless when a bill is two days overdue.