East of Eden Fate and Free Will Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Section.Paragraph)

Quote #10

"He couldn't help it, Cal. That's his nature. It was the only way he knew. He didn't have any choice. But you have. Don't you hear me? You have a choice." (49.3.76)

So you remember earlier when Lee calls out Adam on his decision to give Cathy her half of Charles's money? Turns out that was foreshadowing. Lee doesn't see Adam as having any options about how to behave—he is too one-track minded. Cal, on the other hand, is smart, and can think in nuances in a way that Adam can't. And that means that he actually does have a choice.