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The Tempest Quote Analysis

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The choice to retaliate or forgive when wronged is a crucial decision everyone must make. Vengeance and virtue are deeply ingrained in the human condition, transcending all cultural and societal barriers. In literature, vengeance, and virtue are universal themes, as seen in Alexandre Dumas’ novel, The Count of Monte Cristo, and William Shakespeare’s play, The Tempest. However, when it comes to the fundamental aspects of the human condition, the value of virtue far outweighs the value of vengeance. Confucius' quote, “If it is vengeance you seek, start by digging two graves,” demonstrates the dangers of revenge. Thus, it is clear that the choice of virtue over vengeance is necessary for anyone seeking to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. …show more content…

On the other hand, it is easy to argue that vengeance is more valuable because someone may gain something from it. In The Count of Monte Cristo, the protagonist, the Count seeks retribution from those who betrayed and conspired against him. The Count harms his perpetrators by killing their family members, causing financial hardship, and disclosing their secrets, while getting nothing in return (Dumas 145, 350, 419, 437). The Count was ultimately unsatisfied and felt pity for the people he harmed. People who seek vengeance discover that they receive nothing in return and that their actions ultimately harm them. Many people believe vengeance is more valuable than virtue because the people who seek it are recovering from what they lost. The Tempest by Shakespeare exemplifies the dangers of revenge-seeking. The protagonist, Prospero, initially pursued revenge on those who wronged him by imprisoning them and subjecting them to torment. However, he soon realized that his pursuit of vengeance only exacerbated his problems (Shakespeare 5, 1, 15-20). In a moment of clarity, Prospero apologized to those he had captured, seeking absolution. Ultimately, Prospero's demonstration of virtue and remorse enabled him to regain his dukedom and reconcile with his adversaries. The moral of the story is clear: the pursuit of vengeance is a self-destructive path, while the practice of virtue is the key to personal and societal

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