The ways of sin are curious. I guess if a man had to shuck off everything he had, inside and out, he’d manage to hide a few little sins somewhere of his own discomfort.”

—Samuel Hamilton

Welcome back to East of Eden.

In this episode, Rhea and Shari discuss the ways Steinbeck’s story “of everything” is unfolding: the juxtaposition between the Trasks and Hamiltons, the essays that open each new part of the story, and other continuing contrasts that Steinbeck isn’t trying at all to hide. They continue last week’s discussion of faith without love, and add to their wondering the glory of man, the glory of God, and the glory of God in man.

They also ask a series of questions worth thinking about as we all read forward together:

* Who is this story about? The Trasks? The Hamiltons? the Salinas Valley?

* What is the effect of Steinbeck making himself so visible as the voice of the narrator?

* Who is Cathy, really??

* What is Samuel’s role in this story?

* What is the “glory” being named in the story? What is the “glory” being expressed?

* What is faith without love?

Next week: Chapters 16-21

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