Great and Precious Things

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of illness, death, and cursing.

The novel East of Eden is a motif throughout Great and Precious Things. Cam considers it his favorite book, and various scenes depict him reading it. In fact, the novel’s title comes from a line in East of Eden: “All great and precious things are lonely” (Steinbeck, John. East of Eden. Penguin Classics, 1992, p. 458). Understanding this allusion is vital to understanding Cam’s character and his relationship with his father. In a pivotal moment in the novel, Willow confronts Arthur about his mistreatment and hatred of Cam, insisting that Cam is lonely, to which Arthur responds, “All great and precious things are lonely” (266). His words emphasize the duality of his relationship with Cam. Despite their conflict, Arthur refers to Cam as “great” and “precious” while understanding Cam’s central flaw: his loneliness. Additionally, the revelation that Arthur read Cam’s favorite book despite “mocking” Cam “for always having [his] nose in a book” is Cam’s first indication that his father truly cares about him (326).

Another line from East of Eden that Great and Precious Things quotes appears when Willow looks through Cam’s copy of the book.