Falstaff suffers. Falstaff suffers from himself. I think that in the case of Falstaff's lowly state, Shakespeare indicates that Falstaff chooses to suffer. Therefore, why would God not allow it? I believe that some times people are so pitiful that they chose to suffer. I have succumb to this on some occasions. In these cases, I think it only natural that we suffer the consequences of our actions. In some cases, these consequences are positive and others are quite negative and are easily characterized as suffering. It's free will... and we have to face the consequences of being free.

In Henrik Ibsen's Ghosts, each one of the characters seems to suffer much heartache. Osvald discovers much about his past, which brings him mental suffering as he wrestles with his past. Regina suffers from her past as well as the intimidation and abuse from those around her. But why would God allow these characters to suffer? Did they deserve their suffering? I believe that in this play, it is shown that in some cases we have tendencies (such as Osvald to be permiscuous... "inherited" from his father?) to sin, which may bring on suffering. But in other cases (such as Regina) suffering seems totally unwarrented. I think that Ibsen is investigating the effects of generational sin in this play. Perhaps he is questioning the reality that we may be required to suffer for the sins of our parents. Is this fair? And why would God allow this?

Sophocles addressed this issue in the Exodos of his play, Oedepus Rex. I know that it is very cliche to say that the purpose of suffering is "so that we learn a lesson", but I am not trying to say that that is the purpose of suffering. Like Rob said in class (about the Matrix), I think that Sophocles was attempting to say that even a life of truth (no matter the level of disgrace you have aquired) is much more worth living than a "successful" life of ignorance. We all mess up and it is best to confront them. Perhaps God allows suffering to "test" our ability to face those issues.
Just a thought.

My big question is still taking form.
Why does God allow suffering? Do we cause our own suffering? Why do people insist on blaming "God" for all of their misfortunes?