Before the story is explored as that of forgiveness, it must begin with a reference to the question of trust. What happens when trust is betrayed? What happens when a man (in this case relevant) works hard for his family, dreads to go to work but has to even on a sullen day? The story in essence is that of betrayal and is implicitly stated there. The man did not struggle with forgiveness, but he couldn't deal with trust betrayed, and his harsh punishment is evidence of that.