Revenge In Long Way Down And A Tale Of Two Cities

The Complexity of Revenge in Literature

In literature, authors demonstrate that traumatic experiences often lead individuals to seek revenge, driven by the belief that it will bring satisfaction and relief. However, the pursuit results in further emotional strain and continues the cycle of violence. Humans are naturally drawn to revenge because they believe they can release their pent-up emotions and experience a sense of relief. In Jason Reynolds Long Way Down, Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities, and William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, revenge is depicted as a means of continued suffering and tragedy. In Long Way Down, and A Tale of Two Cities, the cycle of violence perpetuates itself and is an endless loop of bloodshed. The protagonist, Will Holloman, attempts to follow The Rules due to the pressure of

In Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare demonstrates how family feuds and the pursuit of vengeance can escalate conflicts, leading to tragic outcomes. The deaths of Mercutio and Tybalt serve as pivotal events that set the stage for further violence, offering a compelling reflection of the destructive consequences of revenge in the narrative. Tybalt’s death, a result of Romeo’s retaliation for Mercutio’s killing, leads to Romeo’s banishment from Verona. Mercutio’s dying curse: “A plague o’ both your houses!” (Shakespeare III.I.100–105) signifies the destructive consequences of revenge. His curse, which holds both the Montagues and the Capulets accountable for the ongoing senseless violence, is a harsh accusation of the blind hatred between the two families. Mercutio's words hint at the tragic events that take place, showing how the obsession with vengeance ruins lives. The comparison of this feud to a plague that corrupts and eventually destroys those caught emphasizes how widespread and deadly it is. Mercutio's demise thus becomes a metaphor for unnecessary loss and permanent damage caused by resentment between