I prefer linearity too, but this game doesn't execute it very well; there's a lot of contrived blockages - without proper justification within the world - that exist simply to steer the player. It's a linearity that feels tortured, unnatural, and is a little irritating to see. I'm not too far in...
What do you mean "owning up"? There is nothing to own up to. He shouldn't have made such an asinine statement in the first place - the very suggestion of his sentiments was appalling. Everything he gets from here on out, he deserves.