Do we know what sentiment the writer intended Salieri to show?
Can Salieri's problem with God be considered a case of being bitter and atheistic at the same time? (Not that both sentiments always go hand-in-hand.)
"Don't believe his lies, he's the one, KILL HIM." - Memento
I don't think he's lost his faith, as people sometimes say about the character; on the contrary, he still believes very strongly in a personal God, but he also believes that this God has been unfair and cruel to him, so he has declared war on him. Mozart isn't Salieri's enemy, he's merely the battleground.
Remember when Salieri is assisting Mozart with the Requiem, near the end? The've got to Confutatis malidictis, flamis acribus addictis.
How would you translate that? asks Mozart.
'Consigned to flames of hell,' supplies Salieri.
Do you believe it? asks Mozart?
Oh yes, says Salieri, very sincerely.
This is pretty terrifying; he is deliberately choosing a literal Hell for himself.
I think it is strange how after pleading to guilt throughout his confession, he switches the blame to God in the end.
sharePost of the year Suzume-san, post of the year.
Is very bad to steal Jobu's rum. Is very bad.share
Well, thank you, Strntz! It's nice to be appreciated.
In the play script Salieri refers to Mozart himself as the magic flute, which 'God blew till it cracked'. And he definitely feels and expresses pity for him.