In "East of Eden," the narrator reflects on the feelings of alienation and cultural disconnection experienced when returning to a familiar environment after a long absence. Despite being born in China, the narrator is treated as an outsider, revealing the complexities of identity and belonging. The locals' harsh judgment highlights the challenges of adapting to changes that have occurred over time, which further deepens the sense of being out of place.

The narrator expresses that the misunderstandings and mistakes made in social interactions contribute to the perception of being viewed as a "foreign devil." This sense of estrangement has grown so pronounced that they feel more at home in a foreign land than among those who are supposed to be kin. This poignant reflection serves as a commentary on the fluidity of identity and the barriers that can arise from cultural differences.