The topic of revenge
is a very interesting topic. It seems even in today's literature, TV shows, and
movies to be a very popular story line. However, what is revenge?
According to the online dictionary, revenge can be defined as exact punishment
or expiation for a wrong on behalf of, especially in a resentful, vindictive
spirit. The topic of revenge can be found relevant in the popular, hit
television show, “Pretty Little Liars” airing on ABC Family. The show is based
off of a popular book series, but brought to life in the hit show.
“Pretty Little Liars”
can be described as creepy, mysterious, and full of revenge. I know when I
watch it; I’m hooked in the blink of an eye! The show takes a look into the
lives of four young girls, Aria, Spencer, Emily, and Hanna after their friend Allison
was mysteriously killed. How can revenge be present here? Well, the four young
girls seek a bit of revenge on whoever killed Allison. The four girls are
taunted and tortured by a mysterious “A”, someone who is posing to be Allison
and lives on the misery and misfortune of the four girls. Not only are the
girls seeking revenge on “A”, but “A” is also seeking revenge on the girls.
The common question I
ask myself while watching the hit show is, why does “A” want revenge on the
four girls? What makes “A” so mad that they want to take the girls down. After
watching the show since it has been aired, the puzzle pieces have started to
come together. “A” wants revenge on the girls because the original Allison was
a cold-hearted, mean, conniving girl who survived off the misery of other
people, including her friends. It’s almost as if you can sense the revenge and betrayal.
How can “Pretty
Little Liars” even compare to Hamlet? Hamlet after finding out his uncle
was responsible for the death of his father, wants to avenge his father’s
death. Hamlet wants to kill his uncle, therefore getting his revenge. In both “Pretty
Little Liars” and Hamlet, a death is being avenged. Revenge is wanted in
both cases. However in Hamlet, I feel like the revenge plot is stronger.
Why? Well, because Hamlet wants someone to die in order to avenge his father
and that someone happens to be his uncle. In PLL there is definitely a strong
sense of revenge, but not as strong as in Hamlet, the girls may want
someone in jail, but the concept of death is not relevant to the way that the
girls want to seek revenge on Allison’s killer.
Revenge is still
often used today, but in a weaker sense. Back in the time Hamlet, was
written, revenge had a stronger meaning. Modern revenge has a completely
different meaning in today’s time, rather than back in that time period. When
plotting revenge today, it seems like death is often times a last resort. In
fact, revenge looks rather childish and is expressed through simpler meaning,
such as pranks and embarrassment. Rarely death is used. However, revenge is
still a popular topic in today’s literature, movies, and television shows nonetheless.
You've never seen "Pretty Little Liars" check it out! Here's some links to the thrilling show!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWNDxzC8gks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSyYPM68Oo0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7e-p21_7CI
