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3 Classic Stories of Revenge (And What They Teach Us About the Desire to Get Even)
Psychologists explain that the desire for vengeance is a natural human urge
“Give life for life,” states the famous verse in the Bible’s Book of Exodus, “eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” Psychologists explain that the need to seek revenge is inherent to human nature. Michael McCullough, an evolutionary psychologist at the University of Miami, points out that “people from every society understand the idea of getting angry and wanting to hurt someone who has harmed you.” From the ancient Greek tragedy “The Oresteia” to the John Wick saga, revenge stories have always been popular.
At first glance, revenge stories seem to flirt with the allure of getting even. “Revenge works well in plot lines because there’s something very satisfying about a tit-for-tat payback,” observes science writer Peg Streep. However, classic tales of vengeance ultimately aim to show that seeking revenge leads to destruction, pain, and even death. Psychologists agree that trying to get payback creates negative feeling. At the same time, they explain that fantasizing about revenge can be a constructive way to channel toxic emotions. In this sense, reading tales of revenge can help readers achieve catharsis without acting on their desire for retaliation (and ending up in jail).
Here are three classic stories of revenge and their message.
1. “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare
Though “Hamlet” is generally described as a revenge tragedy, the Prince of Denmark spends most of the play delaying avenging his father. The entire tragedy revolves around his inner struggle. During the Elizabethan age, revenge tragedies were extremely popular. The audience enjoyed stories of heroes who had to overcome obstacles to restore justice. However, Shakespeare seems more interested in reflecting on the nature of revenge rather than telling the tragic story of a vengeful hero. In his famous soliloquy, Hamlet debates on life and death and asks himself whether human actions matter. In other words, he ponders whether his revenge is justified.
Over the years, critics have usually attributed Hamlet’s hesitation to…
