Of Revenge : Summary
Of Revenge is a notable literary work by Francis Bacon. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Of Revenge.
Summary
The Reason for Writing This Essay: Francis Bacon wrote “Of Revenge” during a time of personal and political feuds. In that contemporary society, People often took justice into their own hands because the legal system was unfair. Public executions and power struggles were common. As a philosopher, Bacon criticizes revenge and promotes lawful justice over personal vengeance.
Revenge is “Wild Justice”: Revenge is called “wild justice” because it is a natural reaction. When people get hurt, they feel like taking revenge. Bacon says that revenge is not real justice. It goes against the law. When someone seeks revenge, they take the law into their own hands. This makes things worse. The law should handle wrongs, not personal anger. Revenge is unfair because it is based on feelings, not fairness. The more people want revenge, the more the law should stop them.
Forgiveness Shows Strength: Forgiveness is stronger than revenge. Bacon believes that forgiving makes a person more powerful. He says forgiveness is something noble people do. Bacon also quotes King Solomon, who says: “It is the glory of a man to pass by an offense.” When a person forgives, they show strength and greatness. Forgiveness is better than seeking revenge. It makes a person superior.
The Past Is Gone: Bacon says that the past cannot be changed. It is already gone. Wise people don’t waste time thinking about what happened. They focus on what is happening now and what will happen in the future. Thinking about past wrongs only wastes time. It is better to let go of past hurts. The present and future are more important.
Revenge Brings More Pain: Revenge keeps the pain alive. Bacon says that when a person seeks revenge, they do not heal. He stays stuck in his anger. Revenge keeps the wound open and fresh. Forgiveness, however, helps the wound heal. Taking revenge only makes things worse. It brings more hurt and suffering.
Secret Revenge Is Cowardly: Bacon warns against secret revenge. He says it is cowardly to hurt others in secret. People who take revenge secretly are weak. They do not face their enemy openly. Honest revenge makes the enemy feel sorry. It should not be done in the dark, like an arrow. Secret revenge shows cowardice, not bravery.
Revenge Harms Both the Person and Society: Revenge harms the person who seeks it and the people around them. Bacon says that revenge keeps anger and pain alive. It does not heal anyone. The law should handle wrongdoings, not individuals. Private revenge brings more harm. Public revenge may be just, but personal revenge causes suffering. It hurts both the person taking revenge and others around them.