In Margaret Edson's Wit, Jason, Susie, and Professor Ashwood guide Vivian Bearing toward redemption, transforming her into a person who can be both intellectual and compassionate. Jason's cold intellectualism helps Vivian realize that she is neglecting humanity; Susie's compassion shows her how people should act; and Professor Ashwood, embodying both intellect and compassion, brings Vivian's redemption full circle so that she can die in peace. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Jason begins Vivian's path to redemption by showing her the error of her ways. At the beginning of the play, Vivian identifies strongly with Jason because he represents research and "uncompromising scientific standards" (15). As a researcher herself, Vivian feels comfortable with the anatomization and dehumanization of research. Just as Jason anatomizes her in his research, she selects the “Holy Sonnets” of John Donne. She focuses on Donne's use of punctuation, pronunciation, and scansion as Jason focuses on his anatomy, both completely missing the "psychological breakdown" (39) of their subjects. After a morning's "Grand Rounds" (36), Vivian begins to equate her situation with her academic studies, noting that "they read me like a book." Formerly I taught, now I am taught” (37). This realization devastates and humiliates Vivian because she is now reduced to a mere subject. Jason, like Vivian, completely ignores the need for humanity in his work. He believes that treating people in a humane and caring manner is a “colossal waste of time for researchers” (55). Through Jason's coldness toward her, Vivian realizes that she has "mercilessly denied her simpering students the touch of human kindness she now seeks" (59). By becoming the target of Jason's intellectual coldness, she can now see her own error in treating her students in a cruel and inhumane manner, without even recognizing the death of a grandmother. Once Vivian understands the importance of humanity despite Jason's lack of humanity, she turns to Susie as an example of compassion, which brings her closer to her own redemption. Susie reinforces Vivian's new belief in the value of compassion and humanity towards those who are suffering. Before Vivian knows it, she feels extremely uncomfortable with Susie's kindness towards her. Yet as her suffering increases and becomes unbearable, she cannot refuse the soothing effects of Susie's simple compassion. Susie is deeply invested in making sure Vivian is as comfortable as possible. Susie gives her childlike comfort by calling her “sweetheart” (64), holding her when she cries, and giving her a popsicle. Susie shows Vivian the “simple human truth” (15) whose meaning she could not grasp before by studying Donne’s sonnets. Vivian now understands that death and life are no longer abstract but very personal. The discussion between her and Susie about resuscitation reflects the correct punctuation of Donne's Holy Sonnet Six. Vivian ultimately decides that she will end her life with a comma, peacefully passing from life to death without a struggle. Susie provides Vivian with proof that there is something more fulfilling outside of her intellectual world. Although Vivian comes to appreciate Susie's compassionate personality, she cannot fully connect with her because Susie lacks the intellect necessary for Vivian to truly identify with her. Vivian.