In summation, a forgiving or merciful worldview towards criminal offenders is associated with a highly individualistic orientation which keeps a safe distance from issues that do not directly affect one’s own life. This thought is reinforced by a distrust of authority that aligns sympathies with those who are subjected to its force. The focus of this research paper is on the way in which narrators who hold decidedly forgiving views towards punishment, crime, and offenders talk about their lives and experiences rather than on simply evaluating the objective realities of their lives. The result of this examination is hoped to be one that will help uncover ways of seeing the world that help maintain forgiving, merciful emotional stances towards offenders. Tables, references