Forgiveness in Death and the Maiden

Forgiveness is a huge theme in Death and the Maiden, Gerardo is perhaps the most forgiving of them all, and manages to forgive Roberto, for the things that he may or may not have done to Paulina, but more importantly he forgives Paulina, for shooting Roberto, for her mental lapse and holding both men captive. Paulina doesn't seem capable of forgiveness, as she says to Gerardo that she will let Roberto go if he confesses, but after this she is still not satisfied. She wants revenge, not forgiveness. If a message can be found in this play, it would be that forgiveness is not something to dole out too readily like Gerardo, but should be something we are capable of unlike Paulina.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/forgiveness/MH00131