You told me he was dead.Red said through his teeth, There was no point,for there's no meaner, more petty man in all of God's England.At least I'm not a wastrel, the old man snapped.Red started toward the old man, but Sophia stepped between them. Red, don't.He looked as if he might burst into flames, then snapped, I came to get you, Sophie.Have Mary bring your things, and let's go.
In this exchange, tensions rise between Red and an older man who is dismissive and harsh. Red confronts the man, questioning his character and expressing frustration over his dismissive attitude. The old man counters by asserting that at least he is not wasteful, indicating a sense of pride in his own decisions despite the harshness he displays. This shows a clash between two contrasting personalities, with Red's passionate nature clashing against the cold demeanor of the older man.
Sophia, caught in the middle, tries to defuse the situation by stepping in to prevent violence. Red, clearly agitated, expresses his urgency to leave with Sophia, showing his protective instincts towards her. His insistence on leaving immediately underlines the emotional intensity of the moment, emphasizing his desire to escape the negativity embodied by the old man. The conversation encapsulates themes of loyalty and the struggles between different moral perspectives.
