“Because we so much want to forgive and to be forgiven ourselves”

The expression “because we so much want to forgive and to be forgiven ourselves” turns the crowd’s response to Bunny Munro into more than a judgment of his conduct: forgiveness becomes a mutual human need, linking those who offer it to the person asking for it.

Wording and Context

The phrase appears as the crowd gathers around Bunny after he asks to be forgiven. People embrace him, kiss him, and forgive him; the narration explains this collective response through a desire that runs in both directions. The wording does not make forgiveness merely a gift bestowed on Bunny: it also acknowledges the forgivers’ wish to receive forgiveness themselves.

The Crowd’s Response

That reciprocity takes shape through a series of particular encounters. River approaches Bunny and embraces him; Mushroom Dave also embraces him, while the little junkie chick smiles and forgives him. Women from McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, and KFC hold onto and kiss him. Mrs Pennington comes forward with her husband in his wheelchair, raises her arms, and weeps with Bunny as they forgive one another. The repeated gestures make the crowd’s response feel communal without erasing its individual participants.

Reunion and Ambiguity

As Bunny moves through the crowd, the air turns chill and frost curls from his lips. Charlotte Parnovar embraces and forgives him, and the blind Mrs Brooks reaches out with her hands to do the same. Then Bunny sees Libby in her orange nightdress. He moves toward her and asks her forgiveness, explaining that he went a bit crazy and missed her; she answers that there is plenty of time. The phrase’s emphasis on mutual forgiveness resonates with this exchange, while the frost and the blood running across the dance floor keep the scene from becoming a simple account of reconciliation.