Margaret Wood's Day of Atonement

Is it ever possible to atone one's crimes?; especially when it is the matter of crimes committed during a war. This question seems to be at the center of this one-act play by Margaret Atwood, which discusses it in the context of the Second World War; particularly the Nazi holocaust of Germany, and its aftermath.

Click here to read the summary and central themes of the play

Atwood has tried to provide various perspectives towards the same event in an insightful way. Whether it is the character of Dr Krauss or that of Otto, the relation of the victim and the oppressor is drawn very tactfully by the playwright. The title of the play also adds on to the plot construction. The Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year in Judaism, and Jewish people observe this day in intensive prayer and fasting, in order to repent for one's sins.

Some of the questions which remain at the end of the reading is: How far is it justifiable to forgive Dr Krauss' sins? And also did Krauss' character receive justice at the end, when he is shot to death by the Jews, or not ?

Let me know about your ideas regarding the play in the comment section below.

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