East Of Eden

East of Eden (1955) Screenwriter(s): Paul Osborn

Abra’s (Julie Harris) “It’s awful not to be loved” speech to bedridden Mr. Adam Trask (Raymond Massey) regarding his relationship with son Cal (James Dean):

Abra Monologue: Excuse me, Mr. Trask, for daring to speak to you this way, but it’s awful not to be loved. It’s the worst thing in the world. Don’t ask me how I know that. I just know it. It makes you, it makes you mean and violent and cruel. And that’s the way Cal has always felt, all his life. I know you didn’t mean it to be that way, but it’s true. You never gave him your love. You never asked him for his. You never asked him for one thing. Cal is going away, Mr. Trask. But before he goes, well, he did something very bad, and I’m not asking you to forgive him. You have to give him some sign that you love him, or else he’ll never be a man. He’ll just keep on feeling guilty and alone, unless you release him. Please help him. I love Cal, Mr. Trask, and I want him to be whole and strong and you’re the only one who can do it. So try, please try. If you could, if you could ask him for something. Let him help you so that he knows that you love him. Let him do for you. Excuse me, Mr. Trask, for daring to speak to you this way, but I just had to.