Final answer:
Gerda's enduring guilt over a minor theft likely symbolizes deeper issues of morality and integrity, paralleling themes of shame and honesty in the cited texts, where characters wrestle with the lasting impacts of their past deeds on their current lives.
Step-by-step explanation:
The significance of Gerda's guilt over having purloined a rum ball long ago could be symbolic of her larger feelings of guilt or inadequacy in her current life. Such a minor event carrying lasting guilt can indicate a personality trait or a tendency toward excessive self-criticism over small mistakes.
Moreover, this guilt could be representative of deeper issues of honesty and integrity, similar to the themes explored in the provided quotes where characters grapple with past indiscretions, shame, and the impacts of dishonesty on their lives and relationships.
The dialogue from the play reflects the anguish characters face when dealing with their past actions and how those actions continue to affect their present lives. Guilt forces the characters to confront their own morality and the consequences of their deception, leading to significant emotional turmoil and challenges in rebuilding trust and self-worth.