1) re Samuel Hamilton's death vis-a-vis God is dead. This is a pretty negative view on my part but…even though Samuel planted the seed in Adam, Adam doesn't actually become a man until Samuel (God) is dead. While Adam may have been greatly influenced by Samuel (God), he stands up to Cathy on his own (well, + some liquor). Is Steinbeck trying to say that man can be man without God?
2) re Kate's bringing out the alcohol. My thought was that now that she knew that Adam could really see her, why not drop the defenses and bring out the worst in herself. It backfires (as Satan's attacks always do), but still, is that her motivation?
Adam, despite what he thinks, is not free of Cathy. Unfortunately, they are still married. If she wants him to come crawling back, she can make him do it to truly move on with his life—like if he ever wants to get a divorce, to sell their property, etc. As much as I would prefer otherwise, I’m afraid we haven’t seen the last of her.
A couple of thoughts:
1) re Samuel Hamilton's death vis-a-vis God is dead. This is a pretty negative view on my part but…even though Samuel planted the seed in Adam, Adam doesn't actually become a man until Samuel (God) is dead. While Adam may have been greatly influenced by Samuel (God), he stands up to Cathy on his own (well, + some liquor). Is Steinbeck trying to say that man can be man without God?
2) re Kate's bringing out the alcohol. My thought was that now that she knew that Adam could really see her, why not drop the defenses and bring out the worst in herself. It backfires (as Satan's attacks always do), but still, is that her motivation?
Checking daily for your episodes on the rest of this novel… ❤️
Adam, despite what he thinks, is not free of Cathy. Unfortunately, they are still married. If she wants him to come crawling back, she can make him do it to truly move on with his life—like if he ever wants to get a divorce, to sell their property, etc. As much as I would prefer otherwise, I’m afraid we haven’t seen the last of her.