What Is The Theme Of Revenge In The Last Of Us

The Oxford Dictionary defines revenge as “the action of inflicting hurt or harm on someone for an injury or wrong suffered at their hands,” yet the concept of revenge goes far beyond a dictionary definition. Revenge is deeply embedded inside human nature. It influences our thoughts, emotions, and actions, ultimately challenging our moral compass. The word originates from the Latin verb “vindicāre,” meaning to punish or to avenge. Though it comes from this verb, some view revenge as the direct opposite. Regardless, it is much more than mere words; it is a complex issue that has driven people to both heroic acts and atrocities.
On one end of the spectrum, revenge is seen as a way to gain retribution for wrongdoings. It evokes the need for justice

In the game, we follow the journey of Joel Miller, a man who recently lost his daughter, through a post-apocalyptic world in which he is tasked to bring a young, immune, girl named Ellie to safety. As the game progresses, we can see how driven Joel becomes by a need for revenge against those who have caused him to suffer on his journey; especially the ones who caused his daughter's demise. Through this story, it’s clear how revenge can become a weight on someone’s shoulders. It caused Joel to neglect everything else in his life, eventually taking a huge toll on both him and those around him. The game poses the question of how far someone is willing to go to achieve revenge. Similarly, George Wilson, in the novel The Great Gatsby, is fueled by the death of his wife, Myrtle. Once he finds out that the wealthy and mysterious Jay Gatsby might be responsible, he becomes fixated on him and wants nothing else but to avenge Myrtle. He goes to extreme lengths, even going so far as to kill Gatsby. Revenge consumes both George and Joel like a plague. It makes them blind to any possible consequences and puts them on a path of self-destruction. They just wanted to make others feel the pain and despair that they

As the saying goes, “with great power comes great responsibility.” Spider-Man, a beloved superhero in pop culture, is depicted as a character who turns to forgiveness. In the many tellings of Spider-Man, he encounters various villains that have wreaked havoc over his world. Yet, instead of immediately resenting them, he tries to understand why they are doing what they are doing. Even in the darkest of times, when the world is against him, he continues to persevere and maintain this attitude. Characters such as Spider-Man recognize that seeking revenge for everything won’t do anything but create a cycle of violence. He always ends up with a positive mindset, despite all that has happened to him. His commitment to forgiveness is a contrast to the paths of revenge taken by characters like Joel and George. This comparison can show how revenge can lead an individual into chaos, or it can offer a way to heal and rise above one’s