IV: Revenge v. Justice
Revenge and justice could be compared to a rope; these two terms convolute as they are employed synonymously, yet they noticeably overlap each other, all while still carrying a clear distinction between each other. One could draw this distinction by setting forth the notion of fairness; justice is, revenge isn’t. To that, I would respond that the mens rea of revenge could make it fair in many cases just as it could be unfair in other cases. Revenge is the central topic of Homer’s Odyssey, it also explains why Odysseus has a perilous journey home. Paradoxically, it also seems to be one of Odysseus’ main motivators. Justice often collides with the unwritten laws of hospitality and respect for family. For example, he seeks revenge on the suitors for disrespecting his home when he confronts the suitors, after killing
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Justice brings closure; when it is done it also closes the dispute. The downward spiral of revenge opens the door to an infinite vendetta that feeds on itself. One party gets satisfaction, and the other party wants its own satisfaction in return. This scheme leaves no room for resolution or compromise. Both sides have their own notion of right and wrong and their own motives. This unyielding mentality calls for a neutral third party to intervene to mediate and solve the discord. Justice intervenes logically, ethically, and legally. It has to do with making up for a wrong that most reasonable members of the said society would agree is wrong versus the opinion of the victim who is seeking justice. Revenge could also be defined as, usually violently, exteriorizing negative emotions. It can express a fiery desire for fatality. There is a perverted pleasure felt by causing suffering to those who caused it to