9. Two of the themes Jack Maggs returns to again and again are those of guilt and shame.

[Kristel]

9. Two of the themes Jack Maggs returns to again and again are those of guilt and shame. For what crimes, real or imagined, do Oates and Maggs feel the most guilt and shame? What betrayals has each of them committed? Is their shame justified? Are there any characters in the novel who seem to be without guilt or sin?

[[deleted user]]

Easy answer first no character is without guilt or sin.

Maggs feels most guilt and shame for not protecting Sophina better the other criminal acts were his livelihood. He is also ashamed of the punishment and his scars.

Oates guilt and shame come from what he did to Mary and Lizzie.

[Patrick]

Oates has betrayed Maggs (by searching his mind for his own benefit), has betrayed his wife (by cheating on her with Lizzie) and has betrayed Lizzie (by getting Lizzie pregnant and not supporting her appropriately thereafter); to some extent, he felt quite ashamed of all these betrayals, Lizzie being the most acutely felt.

Maggs, for the time of his return in England, betrayed his Australian children and betrayed Percy Buckle's trust; not sure he felt much shame about either.