Vengeance and revenge are common themes in life and literature alike. They are often associated with powerful characters seeking to exact justice for perceived wrongs done to them or those they love. Despite being a normal human emotion, revenge and vengeance can lead to disastrous outcomes that are far worse than the original wrong. This article will explore the theme of revenge and seek to answer several questions around this concept to gain perspective on how a time-limited evil can gain vengeance in a healthy way.
Is Revenge Ever Justified?
We all know how satisfying it can be to serve justice to those who have wronged us; in cases of extreme wrong, justice can sometimes come in the form of vengeance. Vengeance is rooted in emotion and is often motivated by personal gain. However, in many cases, the desire for revenge comes at a high cost. The moral implications of revenge are often disputed, but many philosophers agree that while revenge can be seen as a righteous attempt to bring balance back to the universe, it is rarely a healthy or morally acceptable practice.
Thomas Hobbes, an English philosopher, wrote in his work Leviathan that, “It is always lawful for a man to seek revenge, unless he be hindered by some other lawfull duty or profession.” In other words, as long as one is not violating any legal or ethical boundaries while attempting to get revenge then it can in some cases be seen as a justified response to a wrong.
It is generally accepted that revenge is rooted in the need for justice and that it can be taken, after a certain wrong has occurred. But does that really justify the action and make it morally acceptable? The answer to this is complicated; revenge can be seen as a way to bring justice to a situation, especially if true justice isn’t an option. However, it is important to consider the potential for escalating the situation, causing more harm than good.
What are Some Examples of Revenge in Literature and Media?
Examples of revenge are plentiful within the realm of literature and media, with works such as Hamlet by William Shakespeare and The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas providing powerful cautionary tales of the effects of seeking revenge.
“If thou didst ever thy dear father love — Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder.”
– William Shakespeare, Hamlet
The character of Hamlet is propelled forward by a powerful desire for revenge for his father’s murder. By taking his father’s death into his own hands and ignoring the law, Hamlet ultimately only serves to cause more pain and suffering in his quest for revenge.
The novel The Count of Monte Cristo is set in France during the Bourbon Restoration and follows a man named Edmond Dantès, a sailor who is framed for a crime that he did not commit and sent to prison. There Edmond meets an old man who reveals many secrets to him, including hidden buried treasure that he leaves to Edmond when he dies. Edmond turns to the treasure to fund his quest for vengeance against those who wronged him. As he gets closer to exacting his revenge, Edmond learns that revenge brings with it a heavy price.
How Can Someone Seek Revenge in A Healthy Way?
Seeking vengeance is never a pleasant situation and is often filled with darkness and feelings of anger and despair. It is important to note that revenge is not the same as justice, and that revenge can go far beyond justice. If someone is looking for a way to seek revenge in a healthy manner, there are several approaches one can take.
The first is to take a step back and to look at the bigger picture. Consider what has brought you to this point, and what is motivating your desire for vengeance. Is avenging this wrong really worth it, or can the situation be diffused in another way? Will seeking revenge make the situation better or worse?
If you decide to go ahead with seeking revenge, it is important to keep your focus on justice rather than vengeance. Instead of seeking to inflict pain or suffering, focus on restoring balance by righting the wrong. This can be a complicated process that involves seeking restitution or apologies, but it is important to remember that revenge is not about retributive retribution, it is about restoring balance.
If you find yourself getting overwhelmed with thoughts of revenge, it is important to remember that it is better to forgive than to seek revenge. Forgiveness allows us to restore balance without inflicting any further suffering or damage. Forgiveness can also serve as a powerful reminder of our own humanity, allowing us to rise above our dark thoughts and emotions.
Conclusion
Vengeance and revenge can be powerful and complex emotions with the potential for significant ramifications. While it can be seen as a way to restore balance and honour wrongs, it is important to consider the potential fallout and to determine whether or not the pursuit of vengeance is worth it.
In the case of a time-limited evil, seeking vengeance can come at a high cost, as it often results in further suffering and damage. When considering vengeance, it is important to step back and consider the bigger picture to determine if revenge is really worth it. Even when it is, it is important to keep one’s focus on justice rather than revenge and to look for other ways to restore balance without inflicting additional pain and sorrow.
References
Hobbes, Thomas. Leviathan. 1651, archive.org/details/leviathanoramong00hobb/page/n3/mode/2up
Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. 1603, shakespeare.mit.edu/hamlet/full.html
Dumas, Alexandre. The Count of Monte Cristo. 1845, www.gutenberg.org/files/1184/1184-h/1184-h.htm