I finished reading The Power of Darkness (1886) by Leo Tolstoy. It’s a five act tragedy set in a peasant village in 19th century Russia. Several of the characters commit increasingly depraved acts, culminating in a particularly vile crime.

As these actions and their outcomes are contrasted with another, sympathetic character, I was left with thoughts about what constitutes accountability, justice, redemption, and forgiveness.

“I would have shaken it off, however great my grief, I would have shaken it off, but this thing is here—in my heart—and I can’t take it out, however much I try.”