How Does Edson Show The Connection Between Forgiveness And Relationships

An individual's regular interactions with others unveil character traits that the individual possesses and fails to acquire. Throughout her one-act play W;t, Margaret Edson explores the connection between forgiveness and relationships through Vivian's interactions with others. Edson effectively uses literary devices such as anaphora and diction to further support this exploration as the two devices collaborate to evoke feelings of urgency and to display a shift in Vivian's character. In the film adaptation of W;t, Mike Nichols visually and successfully demonstrates the connection between forgiveness and relationships through camera angles, zoom, and sound. The play and the film collaborate to unveil how Vivian's current interactions within

Compassion is essential within relationships, as one's lack of this emotion inhibits the ability to forgive others. Numerous scientists support this ideology in chapter six of Compassion: Conceptualisations, Research, and Use in Psychotherapy (Compassion), stating that "forgiveness comes far more readily when the transgressor feels compassion, guilt, and remorse" (Washington Jr et al. 168). Supporting this statement, throughout the play, Edson unveils that the root of Vivian's unforgiving nature is her lack of compassion for others, which is only uncovered through Susie and Vivian's regular interactions. Specifically, Susie's unwavering compassion for Vivian causes her to re-evaluate her perspective of forgiveness, that it is not a weakness but rather a simple, compassionate act that allows for personal growth. Prior to meeting Susie, Vivian was unforgiving, rude, and uncompromising with her students. Her

The previous scene ended in a medium shot camera angle; however, this switches to a close-up of Vivian, creating an eye-contact level between the character and audience (Nichols 1:06:05-1:06:10). This brings the audience physically closer to Vivian, allowing the ability to analyze the complex facial expressions and subtle nuances she obtains. Her facial expressions are filled with looks of regret, with her inability to look directly into the camera as she was previously able to. She continuously pulls at her fingers, demonstrating her anxiety and uncomfortableness with this realization. This proximity creates a sense of intimacy, intensifying the scene's emotional impact and creating an undeniable tension that Vivian can no longer act the way she has in the past; her wit and complexity can no longer help her, but simplicity will. Additionally, the camera gradually zooms in on Vivian, visually allowing the audience into Vivian's mind and serving to highlight the significance of her internal journey and evolving perspective of forgiveness (Nichols 1:06:10-1:07:13). The deliberate approach of the camera reflects the gradual shift in Vivian's mindset, mirroring her growing