Many people feel terrible after exacting revenge on others, contrary to popular belief. In fact, few people know the truth behind seeking revenge, one of the oldest, most ingrained societal actions that humans possess. In the Count of Monte Cristo, Edmond Dantes embarks on a revenge spree after having been imprisoned on trumped up charges for 15+ years. In A Long Way Gone, Ishmael Beah was lead to believe that enlisting in the Sierra Leonean Army was the only way to avenge the death of his family. Revenge is harmful because it deeply affects the mind and soul, and affects the well-being of others. Revenge can blacken and darken even the happiest of hearts. Before Edmond was imprisoned, he was a bright and courageous young man who was loved by all. Once imprisoned, however, he fell to his deep desire for revenge, and became a man very consumed by hate and anger. When one is angry, the head, chest, and arms heat up in a flurry of emotion (“Mapping Emotions”). This is why people often say that they feel a burning sensation in their chest when upset. Revenge, by nature, is also dark. A study by a group of Swiss researchers discovered that revenge is very rewarding in the short term, but disadvantageous in the long run (“The Complicated Psychology”). One quote in the Count of Monte Cristo displays just how dark and twisted Edmond had become: …show more content…
It was this feeling of rage and newfound loneliness that drove him to join the army. He soon became desensitized to his situation and murdering became second nature to him. Edmond sought revenge because his transgressors let his father die penniless, falsely imprisoned him and stole his life. Villefort sentenced Edmond to prison after discovering that his father’s name was mentioned in a letter to Napoleon that Edmond delivered. While Edmond was in prison, Fernand Mondengo married Mercedes and his father passed