What Would Bacon Say? Essay Example

it is more noble to let go of past grievances than seek revenge. Bacon also argues that dwelling on the past impedes progress and healing, and that those who focus on the present and future have more to gain. Thus, it is better to heal old wounds through legal means and move on to positive things. However, Bacon does acknowledge that in certain situations a public act of revenge may be acceptable if no legal recourse is available.

The instance of Caesar’s assassination demonstrates the lack of law in a dictatorship. The absence of solid law in the land after his death allowed for revenge to restore order and law. As a result, there was no established law to punish those who sought retaliation for his death. “The Colonel”, portrayed in Carolyn Forche’s work, is not identical to Caesar, but rather a harsh dictator who lives a life filled with fear and violence. The bars on his windows, lights in and around his house, shattered glass, the pistol beside him, and ears kept in a paper bag all indicate the constant threat he faces and the violence that engulfs him.

Being surrounded by fear and violence seems to be the only thing the Colonel knows. It's obvious that he previously served in the military, addressed as the Colonel, and he has adopted the military mindset that uses violence as the only way to deal with situations. Those who serve in the military often become so consumed by the vengeance mindset that they view violence as the best way to handle any situation. Now that he has power over his land, the Colonel utilizes revenge to make

his point known to his people, and ultimately establishes justice through this means (according to him).

Forche exposes that the Colonel resorts to a "wild justice" by spilling numerous human ears on the table when his perspective goes unheeded by his people, in order to maintain order over his land (Forche ll. 16). The Colonel echoes Bacon's view that vengeance is a self-serving action motivated by personal gain, enjoyment, or recognition (ll. 0-21). His contempt towards his people is evident as he declares, "As for the rights of your people, tell them they can go fuck themselves."

According to Bacon, the Colonel's focus on revenge for those who disobey him indicates he dwells on his past instead of looking to the future. This lack of wisdom prevents him from becoming a wise governing power. By repeatedly seeking revenge, the Colonel keeps wounds fresh and perpetuates a spiraling vortex that may never end.

The likelihood of receiving revenge in return when taking revenge is high, creating an endless cycle. Forche's poem demonstrates this concept; if revenge had ended due to the success of the Colonel's method, he would have implemented strict security measures. Revenge and justice are interchangeable, as seeking revenge can provide personal, self-serving justice while following the law results in genuine and impartial justice.

Francis Bacon cited the Colonel as an example that getting revenge does not improve one's character, as it keeps them on the same level as the other person and hinders personal growth. Additionally, revenge can trap someone in a destructive cycle, as demonstrated by the Colonel. However, Bacon also noted that the Colonel sought to establish justice for his people through revenge.

The text,

which includes , refers to a book called "Reading Literature and Writing Argument," specifically the 4th edition by Missy James and Alan Merickel. This book contains a piece titled "Of Revenge" and another titled "The Colonel" by Carolyn Forche.The text within the suggests referring to pages 581-582 for information about reading literature and writing argument.