Why do men like me want sons?" he wondered. "It must be because they hope in their poor beaten souls that these new men, who are their blood, will do the things they were not strong enough nor wise enough nor brave enough to do. It is rather like another chance at life; like a new bag of coins at a table of luck after your fortune is gone.
In the quote, the speaker reflects on the yearning that some men have for sons. This desire stems from an inherent hope that their offspring will achieve what they themselves could not, driven by a combination of unfulfilled dreams and aspirations. The notion suggests that men see their sons as an opportunity for redemption, allowing them to experience a second chance at life and success, thereby passing on their legacy and unaccomplished ambitions.
Steinbeck's portrayal of this paternal instinct highlights the emotional complexity tied to fatherhood. Rather than simply wishing for sons for traditional reasons, there is a deeper longing for vicarious success and fulfillment. The metaphor of a new bag of coins evokes the idea of taking another gamble at fortune, underscoring the belief that perhaps through their children, parents can reclaim some of the lost chances in their own lives.