Francis Bacon's Of Revenge Summary: A Quiz and Flashcards Guide

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Questions and Answers

According to Francis Bacon, revenge is referred to as ________ behavior.

Animalistic (correct)

Rational

Justifiable

Civilized

Bacon suggests that taking revenge means a person is ________ the law.

Enforcing

Violating (correct)

Respecting

Upholding

What does Bacon imply about the effectiveness of the law when a person takes revenge?

The law strengthens its power

The law becomes more respected

The law loses its significance (correct)

The law is redefined

According to Bacon, what quality does forgiving others reflect?

Superiority Signup and view all the answers

Bacon suggests that wise men don't dwell in the ________.

Past Signup and view all the answers

In Bacon's essay, what is the significance of forbearing others?

It leads to respectability Signup and view all the answers

What does Bacon imply about the wrongdoer and the counter-attacker when it comes to revenge?

They are equally at fault Signup and view all the answers

'Revenge is totally against the law.' This statement means that revenge is ________.

'Wild justice' Signup and view all the answers

'The more one’s nature turns toward taking revenge, the more he is taking the law into his hands.' What does this imply according to Bacon?

'An eye for an eye' undermines legal systems Signup and view all the answers

Why do people usually do wrong to others?

To gain profit or pleasure Signup and view all the answers

Why does Bacon suggest not becoming mad at a person who loves themselves more?

It is not beneficial Signup and view all the answers

What is referred to as 'wild justice'?

Private revenge Signup and view all the answers

What lesson does Bacon believe public acts of revenge provide?

A guide for other individuals Signup and view all the answers

Why does Bacon advise against focusing too much on taking revenge?

To heal and move forward Signup and view all the answers

What does Bacon compare 'vengeful friends' to in the text?

Snakes Signup and view all the answers

Why does Bacon mention that it is more delightful to make one repent than to hurt?

To prove one's superiority Signup and view all the answers

How does Bacon describe people who do wrong because it is their nature?

'Thorn' and 'briar' Signup and view all the answers

What argument does Bacon present against the act of avenging a wrong?

To avenge is a distortion of the law. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Bacon argue against taking revenge?

To set an example for society Signup and view all the answers

What does Bacon suggest in terms of forgiving friends who do wrong?

Consider them as evil from God Signup and view all the answers

According to Bacon, why is private revenge considered unfortunate?

It leads to a life of witches Signup and view all the answers

What does Bacon compare those seeking revenge to?

Animals living in the wild Signup and view all the answers

Why does Bacon suggest forgiving and moving on from past wrongs?

To concentrate on present and future Signup and view all the answers

Why does Bacon mention that public acts of revenge are fortunate?

To set examples for society Signup and view all the answers

How does Bacon view the concept of 'wild justice'?

As a symbol of animalistic behavior Signup and view all the answers

What does Bacon argue about forgiving enemies and friends?

Enemies should always be forgiven, friends should be avenged. Signup and view all the answers

What does Bacon believe regarding the idea of taking the law into one's own hands?

It renders the law useless. Signup and view all the answers

According to Bacon, why is it unwise to dwell on past wrongs?

Because it suggests a lack of ethical supremacy. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Revenge: A Wild Justice

Revenge is animalistic behavior, characteristic of animals, not humans, who are entitled to forgive and show compassion.
Bacon argues that taking the law into one's hands is a distortion of the law, making it useless.

Private Revenge is Unfortunate

Private revenge is unfortunate and useless, as it takes the law into one's hands.
Revenge is tolerable and fortunate only if it has no lawful remedy.
Those who constantly seek revenge are unfortunate, living a life of "witches" with evergreen wounds.

Forgive, Forget, and Move On

Wise men ignore the wrongs done to them, focusing on the present and future rather than the past.
Forgiving others is a sign of moral and ethical supremacy.
Since past wrongs cannot be changed, one should forgive, forget, and move on.

Public Revenge is Fortunate

Public acts of revenge are fortunate, setting examples for others.
Bad leaders should be punished publicly to teach others a lesson and avoid similar actions.

Reasons for Revenge

People don't do wrong for the sake of wrong; they do it for profit, pleasure, respect, or honor.
One should not avenge others who love themselves more than they love others.

Friendship and Revenge

Wrongdoers who are friends can stab you in the back, making it difficult to forgive.
However, Bacon argues that we should forgive even friends, considering their wrongs as evil from God.

Public Death of Bad Leaders

Bacon cites examples of public executions of bad leaders, such as Caesar, Partinax, and Henry the Third of France, as fortunate public revenge.

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Description

Explore the key points and personal views of Francis Bacon on the theme of 'revenge' in his short but insightful essay. Understand how Bacon contrasts animalistic behavior with human nature and society's upsurge towards revenge.

Summary of Revenge by Francis Bacon