Some life lessons are hard-won. After killing Hermine, Haller is accosted by the characters of the Magic Theatre; he fully expects them to execute him for his crime. In fact, in a rare moment of single-mindedness, he relishes the idea of this seemingly ultimate punishment. But his judges have other ideas: Haller is condemned not to death but to life. “You are to live,” they instruct Haller, “and learn to laugh.”
