You're not clever. You don't know what you want. You have no proper fierceness. You let other people walk over you. Sometimes I think you're a weakling who will never amount to a dog turd. Does that answer your question? I love you better. I always have.
In this intense quote from John Steinbeck's "East of Eden," the speaker expresses deep frustration and disappointment toward another person, critiquing their lack of self-awareness and strength. The harsh words convey a sense of abandonment, highlighting how the individual allows others to dominate them, and the speaker questions their ambition and resolve. The tone suggests that these shortcomings lead to a negative perception of their character.
Despite the severity of the critique, the speaker reveals an underlying affection, emphasizing that their love has always been present. This juxtaposition of critique and love suggests a complex relationship, where frustration coexists with a deep emotional connection. The speaker’s words, while harsh, stem from a place of caring, indicating that they want to see the other person grow and become stronger.
