Redemption in WitMargaret Edson explores an unpopular theme (redemption) using changes in the character of the protagonist, Dr. Bearing. After her diagnosis of ovarian cancer, she realizes that she is living an incomplete life with excessive dedication to her career and academics and less respect for humanity. She faces a heartbreaking loneliness that makes her regret listening and following her English teacher's advice that academics are not sentimental. The “W; » by Margaret Edson. t", therefore has a thematic bias towards the redemption of Dr. Bearing as she attempts to break out of her arrogant self and shed her unsociable character. Dr. Bearing interacts with two contrasting characters in the play which lead her to a state of self-realization, causing her to change for the better From the flashbacks in the play, it is easy to describe that Vivian lived a life characterized by an inhuman lack of empathy. Flashbacks of Vivian's interactions with students show that she has a serious problem. She lashes out at one student for his failure to give feedback on her questions and she also denies giving another student an extension on the assignment. After the student explains that her grandmother has died, this is what she says to him: “do what you want but the duty is given when it is due” (63). Arrogance is apparently antisocial, but she adopts it by pretending/believing that she advocates excellence in her students and would not accept fabricated excuses. This paints her as a cynical person, and one who only cares about the success of what she does is therefore not making the compromises necessary for healthy relationships. She thus suffers from a high level of rudeness and arrogance which makes her extremely d...... middle of paper ...... in character during her stay in the hospital. Susie realizes that her patient is afraid of dying and she comforts her as she cries and makes her feel loved. While wearing, the play's protagonist undergoes substantial character changes before the end of the play. As noted, the flashbacks show how unemotional Vivian was as a teacher. However, she begins to notice weaknesses in his character and makes changes to his character that are very friendly and sociable. This is facilitated by Jason, a hospital doctor who behaves as she behaved towards her students, and Susie, a nurse whose character is the complete opposite of Jason's. This character change was used extensively by the playwright to construct her theme of redemption as Vivian is redeemed from the arrogance and rudeness brought on by the excessive value she places on intellect..