Poetic justice意思
"Poetic justice" is a term that refers to a literary device in which the ending of a story reflects the moral or ethical actions of the characters. It suggests that the conclusion is satisfying because it aligns with the justice that the narrative seems to demand. The concept implies that the characters receive what they deserve, whether it be good or bad, based on their actions and behaviors throughout the story.
Poetic justice often involves a symmetry or balance in the outcomes for the characters, where virtue is rewarded and vice is punished. This can occur in various forms, such as:
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Protagonist's Victory: The hero or heroine, who embodies moral goodness, overcomes the odds and achieves success or happiness, often after facing trials and tribulations.
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Antagonist's Downfall: The villain or antagonist, who represents moral corruption or wrongdoing, meets a fitting end that is a consequence of their own actions, such as being defeated, punished, or facing a tragic demise.
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Karmic Retribution: Characters who do wrong are made to suffer in direct proportion to their misdeeds, while those who do good are blessed in a manner that reflects their righteousness.
The term "poetic justice" is often used in a broader sense to describe any situation where the outcomes seem to be governed by a moral or cosmic order, rather than by chance or arbitrary events. It suggests that the universe has a way of balancing the scales of justice, even if it's not always apparent or immediate.
The concept has its roots in ancient Greek drama, where the term "poetic justice" was first used to describe the way in which the plots of tragedies and comedies often resolved in a manner that was both satisfying and morally appropriate. Since then, it has been a common element in literature, film, and other forms of storytelling, where it serves to reinforce the moral lessons or themes of the narrative.