“Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves” (“Confucius”). This quote from the Chinese philosopher Confucius poignantly illustrates the extent of the the negative effects that revenge can have on a person. Indeed, what once was a quest to destroy another quickly becomes a countdown until one destroys oneself. Nonetheless, the need to enact vengeance is pervasive throughout society, from the “eye for an eye” (“The Code of Hammurabi”) mentality in the code of Hammurabi to Internet mob shaming. However, these pursuits of vengeance did nothing to provide any sort of moral reconciliation: two eyes are lost instead of just one under Hammurabi’s code, and Internet shaming only serves to ruin people’s lives instead of combating real …show more content…
In Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontё, the characters’ decisions to stop acting cruelly towards others provides moral reconciliation, illustrating that a positive resolution can only happen when one lets go of …show more content…
However, near the end of the book, a moral reconciliation occurs when she recognizes the amount of hurt that she has caused Hareton and the error of her prideful ways. She even apologizes to him, saying, “I . . . beg you to forgive me” (Brontё 263). The two reconcile and develop a loving relationship that enlightens Hareton and brings Catherine happiness. This effectively marks the beginning of the end of the cycle of misery at Wuthering Heights, since it is the first time its residents have been able to feel genuine joy. In essence, the fact that Catherine’s decision to befriend, instead of deride, Hareton allows them to be in a fulfilling relationship demonstrates how letting go of prejudice against another person reconciles the wrong one has done to others along with allowing for another venue for happiness. Hhhhh In addition, the genial atmosphere at Wuthering Heights that results due to Heathcliff’s decision to give up his pursuit of revenge demonstrates that