Long Live Freedom!

Don Giovanni: Everyone is free to come in, long live freedom. (I.5.54)

What, exactly, is Don Giovanni's problem? I was repeatedly surprised by the degree to which I'd underestimated him. This "bundle of deceit" is not a very endearing character. Here's a collection of some of his most revealing passages.

(All by Don Giovanni, except for the last two. Act.Scene.Page)

He asked for it, it's his fault. (I.1.8)

The poor unhappy thing is in love with me, and out of pity I must pretend to love her; it's my undoing that I'm a kind-hearted man. (I..29)

I no longer know what to do with myself, and a horrible storm is threatening me, oh God! (I..61)

It's all love; whoever is faithful only to one is cruel to the others; I, who feel such ample sentiment in myself, love all of them; and since women don't comprehend these things, they call my natural goodness deceit. (II..67)

I hope she will break down soon! what a pretty little trick is this? there is no talent more versatile than mine... (II..70)

They leave-- Don Giovanni swaggering, and Leporello cowering. (II..103)

Statue: Repent, change your life, it is your last moment!
Don Giovanni tries to withdraw his hand.
Don Giovanni: No, no, I do not repent, get you far away from me!(II..114)

He can neither be remorseful nor penitent. He is perpetually unsatiable, forever proud, and yet quick to disguise and deceive. He is willfully unable to fear. In what way do these things compose his role as a "libertine?" He is probably one of the most "free" characters we, or at least I, have encountered. Don Giovanni can do anything he wishes. He is not movable by pity or any social more. Not even a living statue of the man he murdered, riding through his dining room door booming the word "REPENT," can budge his resolve. What is the role of freedom here? of restraint?

P.S. "The death of wicked men is always just like their life." Don Giovanni died in hellfire, sure, but his "What terror!" is the only indication that he is feeling anything but physical pain. And besides, Don Giovanni's life was pretty plush. Is it just me, or was the ending just a little unsatisfying?