Remy Pinson '14 - East of Eden

I think this is the best-known story in the world because it is everybody’s story. I think it is the symbol story of the human soul. I’m feeling my way now—don’t jump on me if I’m not clear. The greatest terror a child can have is that he is not loved, and rejection is the hell he fears. I think everyone in the world to a large or small extent has felt rejection. And with rejection comes anger, and with anger some kind of crime in revenge for the rejection, and with the crime guilt—and there is the story of mankind. I think that if rejection could be amputated, the human would not be what he is.” OR... “Do you take pride in your hurt? Does it make you seem large and tragic? ...Well, think about it. Maybe you’re playing a part on a great stage with only yourself as audience.
— John Steinbeck