Poetic justice meaning

Poetic justice definitions

Poetic justice is a concept often seen in literature and film, where virtue is ultimately rewarded, and vice is punished in a fitting or ironic manner. This idea suggests that there is a sense of balance or fairness in the universe, where actions have consequences that align with their moral weight.

Origin of Poetic Justice

The term "poetic justice" was first coined by the literary critic Thomas Rymer in the late 17th century. It refers to the idea that in a work of fiction, particularly a tragedy, the punishment of the wrongdoers and the rewarding of the virtuous characters should reflect a sense of poetic balance and symmetry.

Examples in Literature

One of the most famous examples of poetic justice in literature is William Shakespeare's play "Macbeth." In this tragedy, Macbeth's unchecked ambition leads to his downfall, while characters like Banquo and Malcolm, who uphold moral principles, are rewarded in the end.

Examples in Film

Film adaptations also often employ poetic justice to satisfy audiences' desire for moral resolution. In movies like "The Shawshank Redemption," the corrupt prison warden is exposed and punished, while the wrongly convicted protagonist finds freedom and redemption.

Overall, poetic justice serves as a narrative device that reinforces the idea that good actions are ultimately rewarded, and bad actions are punished. It provides a sense of closure and moral order in storytelling, leaving audiences with a satisfying conclusion that resonates with their sense of justice and fairness.

Poetic justice Examples

1. The corrupt official's arrest was a perfect example of poetic justice.
2. After years of mistreating his employees, the arrogant boss finally got a taste of poetic justice when he was fired.
3. The bully who constantly picked on others received a form of poetic justice when he failed all his exams.
4. In a classic case of poetic justice, the thief ended up getting his own wallet stolen.
5. The scammer thought he had gotten away with his scheme, but he eventually faced poetic justice when his lies were exposed.
6. The character in the story who was always causing trouble met his match in the form of poetic justice.
7. It was poetic justice when the student who cheated on the test ended up failing anyway.
8. The dishonest politician experienced poetic justice when he lost the election by a landslide.
9. After years of neglecting their health, the couple faced poetic justice in the form of multiple health issues.
10. The greedy landlord who raised rent prices to exorbitant levels faced poetic justice when all his tenants moved out.

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