Welcome back to East of Eden, where “diplomacy by other means” is boiling over, abroad and at home. In this episode, Rhea and Shari discuss characters and characterizations, and why it seems the “innocent” characters are so much more flat than the conflicted, troubled characters. They circle back on greatness, and how it connects to timshel. They talk about freedom. And, they wonder whether it’s easier to give or to receive.

Next week they will finish East of Eden: Chapters 50-55.

Oh! And, be sure to tune in on Friday, December 5th, for their annual Big Draw Episode, where they will be drawing, debating, and deciding on their reading list for 2026. Yay!

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