Literature Revenge
Are revenge and justice just and fair? Or should we use the law and courts to solve our differences? The Bible does not teach revenge. The lessons of Francis Bacon on revenge and the actions taken by the Princess in The Lady/The Tiger are not compatible. The Bible’s revenge teachings do not align with Francis Bacon’s. The Bible also says that one should seek justice in the law and court. Francis Bacon’s “On Revenge” argues that while revenge isn’t worth it, it should be done lawfully and with care. The Lady or The Tiger is a story about a princess who takes revenge following the guidelines of bacon. She must be careful and legal.
Bible teachings tell us to be fair in our vengeance. “Exodus21:24” (Bible) teaches that revenge should be taken on the same level the original sin. A friend who steals money from a friend should not kill his family, but rather take items of the same value from him. Bacon is more skeptical about revenge. He believes revenge is not necessary or just. He states in “On Revenge” that “This is certain that the man who studies revenge keeps his wounds green. …”. Bacon believes taking revenge does not allow one to move on from what they have done. The Bible’s prophets and writers believe that revenge solves problems. The actions of the princess in The Lady and The Tiger are not consistent with the Bible’s teachings about revenge. The Bible says that revenge should be just and fair. The Princess, however, responds to her Lover by having him killed. Ecclesiastes 4:10 shows that friendship is a virtue and is not a crime. Even if flirting was against her, it isn’t nearly as serious as murder.
The Lady or The Tiger is a parody of many of Bacon’s teachings and guidelines. Bacon wisely stated in “On Revenge,” “For as the first offense it does but offends the law; but, the revenge of that wrong putsteth out the law’s office.” Although it may seem like the Princess’ actions contradict Bacon, they are not. Bacon is not referring to revenges for breaking the law when he says that. The Princess gets her revenge in law. In a barbaric, but real court. She takes revenge on her Lover in this manner, but she doesn’t completely stray from Bacon. She may have taken illegal action by paying workers to locate the tiger’s door, but this was without her true intention of getting her lover killed. She was not vengeful for finding out which door contained the tiger. Bacon’s teachings were followed by the princess in The Lady and The Tiger.
Bacon’s ideas on revenge in the Bible are not consistent with the actions of the Princess. The princess follows Bacon’s instructions, however. According to the Bible, thou must exact just revenge for what they do. Bacon states in “On Revenge” that revenge is not fair and should not be pursued. However, if it is to be done, it should be publicly taken legally. The Lady or The Tiger shows that the princess takes revenge. However, she follows Bacon’s guidelines for revenge when necessary. It is subjective and based on personal experience whether or not revenge is justified. Different beliefs and experiences will lead to differing opinions regarding the appropriateness for revenge.
