A man with a beard was always a little suspect anyway. You couldn't say you wore a beard because you liked a beard. People didn't like you for telling the truth. You had to say you had a scar so you couldn't shave.
In John Steinbeck's "Cannery Row," the portrayal of men with beards suggests an underlying suspicion about their character. A beard serves as a subtle indicator that the person may not easily align with societal norms. The narrative implies that people who exhibit such traits often face skepticism and are not warmly accepted by others, hinting at a disconnect between appearance and social acceptance.
The quote also highlights the idea that society prefers conformity over authenticity. Truth-tellers, like those with beards, often face unkindness because they challenge the status quo. The mention of a scar serves as a metaphor for justifying nonconformity; rather than admitting to personal choice, one must fabricate an excuse to avoid judgment. Through this lens, Steinbeck critiques societal values that penalize individual expression and honesty.