Please answer the prompt below using CER format. Don't forget your evidence!
PROMPT 1: In the context of this story, was Montresor’s revenge justified? Is revenge ever justified? When ? Cite evidence from this text, your own experience, and other literature, art , or history in your answer.
Claim: In the context of the story, Montresor's revenge was not justified, and revenge is rarely justified in real life.
Evidence 1: In the story, Montresor's actions were driven by personal pride and a desire for revenge rather than any actual harm done to him by Fortunato. Montresor even admits that Fortunato has not given him any reason to seek revenge: "He had never wronged me. He had given me no insult" (Poe 7). This highlights Montresor's unjustifiable motive for seeking revenge.
Evidence 2: In real life, revenge often perpetuates a cycle of violence and does not bring any true satisfaction or resolution. Research shows that revenge does not lead to long-term happiness and can have negative psychological effects on individuals seeking revenge. It can also escalate conflicts and lead to more harm in personal relationships or even larger scale conflicts between nations.
Evidence 3: The theme of revenge is explored in other literature as well. In Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," the protagonist seeks revenge for his father's murder, but as the play unfolds, it becomes clear that this pursuit of revenge leads to the downfall of many characters and brings no true resolution. This highlights the destructive nature of revenge.
Rebuttal: There may be rare instances where revenge can be justified, such as seeking legal justice for a severe harm done to oneself or loved ones.
Counterclaim: However, even in those cases, it is often more productive and healing to focus on seeking justice through legal means rather than taking matters into one's own hands. Legal systems are in place to ensure fair judgment and impartiality, preventing the perpetuation of violence and promoting a more just society.
Conclusion: In the context of the story, Montresor's revenge was not justified as it was driven by personal pride rather than an actual harm done to him. Revenge, in general, is rarely justified as it perpetuates violence, does not bring true satisfaction, and can have negative psychological effects. Seeking legal justice through established systems is a more just and productive approach to address harm done to oneself or others.