Retribution in Writing
Are revenge and justice just and fair? Or should we use the law and courts to solve our differences? The Bible does not teach revenge. The lessons of Francis Bacon on revenge and the actions taken by the Princess in The Lady/The Tiger are not compatible. The Bible’s revenge teachings do not align with Francis Bacons. The Bible does not teach revenge. The Bible says that one should seek justice but not commit more crimes against another than they did towards the one who took revenge. Francis Bacon’s “On Revenge” argues that while revenge isn’t worth it, it should be done lawfully and with care. The Lady or The Tiger is a story about a princess who takes revenge following the guidelines of bacon. She must be careful and legal.
Bible teachings tell us to be fair in our vengeance. “Exodus21:24” (Bible) teaches that revenge should be taken on the same level the original sin. To take money from a friend that he has stolen, he should then respond by taking the items from him. Not by killing his entire family. Bacon disagrees with this view on revenge. Bacon believes revenge is not justified and should be avoided. He states in “On Revenge” that “This is certain that the man who studies revenge keeps his wounds green. …”. Bacon believes revenge is a way to prevent one from being able to get over the wrong done. However, the Bible’s writers and prophets believe that revenge can solve problems and situations. The actions of the princess in The Lady and The Tiger are not consistent with the Bible’s teachings about revenge. The Bible says that revenge should be just and fair. The Princess, however, responds to her Lover by having him killed. Ecclesiastes 4:10 shows that friendship is a virtue and is not a crime. Even if flirting was against her, it isn’t nearly as serious as murder.
The Lady or The Tiger is a parody of many of Bacon’s teachings and guidelines. Bacon wisely stated in “On Revenge,” “For as the first offense it does but offends the law; but, the revenge of that wrong putsteth out the law’s office.” Although it may seem like the Princess’ actions contradict Bacon, they are not. Bacon is not referring to revenges for breaking the law when he says that. The Princess takes revenge on her lover in the law, in a real but barbaric court. She takes revenge on her Lover in this manner, but she doesn’t completely stray from Bacon. She may have taken illegal action, bribing workers to locate the tiger’s door, but this was without any intention of killing her lover. She was not vengeful for finding out which door contained the tiger. Bacon’s teachings were followed by the princess in The Lady and The Tiger.
Bacon’s ideas about revenge and the actions of the Princess are not in line with the Bible’s. The princess follows Bacon’s instructions, however. The Bible says that you should take as much revenge as they have done. Bacon says that revenge is unfair and not worth it. But if taken, it should always be legally and publicly. The Lady or The Tiger shows that the princess takes revenge. However, she follows Bacon’s guidelines for revenge when necessary. It is subjective and based on personal experience whether or not revenge is justified. Different beliefs and experiences will lead to differing opinions about the rightness or inappropriateness of revenge.
