In The Sunset Limited, Black views compassion as the main thing—without it, you're in the dark, and the key to life everlasting is to love other people. White, on the other hand, doesn't view humanity as worthy of love. Instead, White favors justice over mercy and forgiveness—the exact opposite of Black's approach to life. Black's efforts are almost entirely geared toward helping White take it easier on the world, as well as on his own self as part of that world. You can't live without pity, he's basically saying, and everyone needs some from time to time.
Questions About Compassion and Forgiveness
- Do human beings always deserve forgiveness? Are there times when it's wrong to forgive or show compassion—or can it never be wrong? Draw on White and Black's perspectives in crafting your answer.
- How have Black's personal experiences led him to adopt his compassionate viewpoint? Does White see things differently because he hasn't had those same experiences? Or is it for some other reason? Use the text to support your answer.
- How do justice and love work together? Are they totally opposed to each other—like Black and White? Do we see them blending in the play ever?
- What does Black mean by "life everlasting"? Is it in this life, after death, or both—and what does it have to do with compassion?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
There are two options in this play: Love each other or die.
Following logic is more important than following love or any other feeling.