Chauncer in Rome

            
             Graham Greene once said," every artist has a splinter of ice in his heart." In other words Greene is claiming that every artist has some bitterness in his heart that is portrayed through his art. The author of the Chaucer in Rome, John Guare best exemplifies this concept in his own work. Guare's bitterness can felt from his commentary on religion. Through symbolism, setting, and characterization Guare chastises many aspects of the Christian religion. .
             The setting of the play contributes to the religious implications presented throughout the story. The three main characters are in Rome during the Holy year where millions of pilgrims have come in order to purge themselves of sin. The author places great emphasis on Rome being the capital of religion. This is apparent through the words of Pete, "We"re in Rome. God's Hometown. He hears. You"re fine" (page 6). Although, most Christians and Jews would probably agree that Jerusalem is the hometown of most modern Christian and Jewish beliefs the author claims that Rome is the center of modern religion. The author puts Rome on a pedestal as a religious epicenter in order to condemn what religious foundations lie in the city of Rome, the Catholic Church. By exaggerating the importance of Rome or using it as a hyperbole to represent God's hometown it seems apparent that Guare is attacking the Catholic Church. The overemphasis of the setting coupled with the concept of Rome being a religious mecca establishes an environment that allows Guare to condemn the holy city and more specifically Catholicism. .
             The symbolism of the pilgrims in the story plays a vital role into interpreting Guare's commentary on religion A large magnitude of these religious pilgrims have come to Rome filled with fake religious devotion and hopes of purging their sins. Many of the pilgrims are simply there for an easy way out, not religious devotion. This can be seen through the words of one of the Patient 5, "My baby fell off the boat.