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Dungeon in the Valley
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Dungeon in the Valley
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Hawkin’s Coat Symbol Analysis |
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Hawkin’s coat, which is splattered with numerous stubborn stains, symbolizes Christendom, meaning the Christian community, while the stains represent sin. Hawkin laments to Patience, Conscience, and Will that laundering the coat only keeps it clean temporarily, suggesting the human inclination toward sin. Patience explains to Hawkin that the only thing that will clean his coat—that is, the only thing that will cleanse the Christian community from their sins and keep them from sinning in the future—is contrition (genuine remorse for one’s sins) and the sacrament of penance.