After a lengthy and tiresome trial a murderer finally receives his verdict. The notorious serial killer who murdered thirty-nine people over a span of one year earns life imprisonment. Joyfully, the spectators exit courthouse’s grand doors, celebrating, cheering, and clapping. Each one chants “justice is alive,” for this evil man finally received punishment for the crimes he committed. However, a young man overlooking the joyous crowd thinks to himself: “Justice was undoubtedly served today. But how can they say ‘justice is alive’? What about the woman in Yemen who receives harsh beatings from her husband each day? Does justice truly exists for the boy with down syndrome who is mocked everyday at school? And how could I forget the murdered African American, whose killer walked away with a warning? Again, how is justice alive if millions of people are denied justice each day?” …show more content…
In other words, does humanity get what is deserved and fair? A complex question, individuals believe a host answers exist to the question. Some would say that justice is alive, for look at the thousands of Nazi soldiers who were sentenced to life in prison or death. Others would question if justice is alive, for look at the millions of women throughout the world who are victims of sex trafficking. Works of literature throughout history present this compelling question. King Lear, a Shakespearean play, tells the story of how a King’s hubris transpired to a host of atrocities: a divided kingdom, murder plots, and familial betrayals. In this epic, the question of justice in the world is closely examined by different characters through a host of scenarios. Therefore, King Lear presents a multitude of answers to the question: “Is there