Theme Of Guilt In Fifth Business

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Guilt Prevails in Fifth Business
As a shadow, guilt can follow a person during their entire life. The novel Fifth Business portrays how guilt can linger on in an individual and persist for many years, severely impacting their lives. Dunstan’s guilt originates from a single incident caused by Percy Boyd Staunton, which consequently impacts Mary Dempster, and her son, Paul Dempster. Dunstan allows his guilt for Mary Dempster to burden and control his life. Moreover, Dunstan goes on a quest to end his guilt with the help of Liesl. Throughout Robertson Davies’ Fifth Business, Dunstan’s guilt begins from a single incident that subsequently escalates into a lifelong struggle.

Dunstan’s guilt originates in his childhood on account of a traumatizing encounter. The guilt Dunstan continuously endures is with him throughout his life, starting with the snowball incident caused by the vindictive Percy. Percy Boyd Staunton, acting foolish, throws a snowball intended for Dunstan; however, Dunstan ducks, and it hits pregnant Mary Dempster. As a result, Mrs. Dempster develops mental health problems and she is forced to …show more content…

Liesl is a significantly motivating character, that aids Dunstan to cope with and accept his guilt. Liesl reveals to Dunstan that by living a life of guilt, he loses a part of his life, “But you – there is a whole great piece of your life that is unlived, denied, set aside” (216). Liesl provides insight to Dunstan about the results of his constant guilt; it robbed him of his happiness. From this point on, Dunstan understands that he should live for himself, instead of living for others. Furthermore, after meeting Liesl, Dunstan is able to live a fulfilling life since he understands the purpose of his life. Therefore, Dunstan’s guilt makes him live in devotion to Mrs. Dempster, and he eventually learns that he must live a life for himself without the nature of

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