Eros, suffering, and death are Munch's perennial concerns. While the placement of figures in relation to empty space in this painting might, on a cursory glance, suggest that the painter was more interested in composition than content, in fact, composition, as much as content, contributes to the expression of emotions in this and other paintings. In contrast to The Scream (see this database) Munch embodies consolation in this composition. The spiritual pain and fear are ameliorated only by the comfort of another human heart.

Who is supporting whom? What does the shadow represent? An excellent discussion trigger to address spiritual pain and psychological suffering, the tension between detachment and connection, and the therapeutic relationship.

Self as medicine is also the theme of Alice Walker's poem, "Medicine" (see this database). For further discussion of this painting ['Compassion"] and Walker's poem, see Facing Death: Images, Insights, and Interventions, pp. 74-75, 187, annotated in this database. For further relevant discussion of Munch's work, see Judith Stillion's essay, "Death and Grief Made Visible: The Life and Work of Edvard Munch," in Grief and the Healing Arts: Creativity as Therapy, ed. Sandra Bertman, pp. 289-301, annotated in this database.