This quote from Peter S. Beagle's "The Last Unicorn" expresses a strong sentiment of disappointment and frustration. The speaker addresses their son, highlighting an overwhelming feeling of disbelief regarding the son’s abilities, suggesting that his shortcomings are so significant that they could only be explained by a greater force controlling him. This evokes a sense of helplessness and the idea that such grand failures could only stem from something beyond mere human flaws.

The language used reflects a deep emotional conflict, combining love with a critical evaluation of the son’s character. The notion of "ineptitude" and "incompetence" serves to underscore a parent's struggle to comprehend the failings of a child whom they care for deeply. The use of "greater power" introduces a hint of irony, as it implies that the son’s failures may not even be entirely his own, painting a picture of complexity in familial relationships and the burdens of expectations.