Poetic Justice

Definition

Poetic justice refers to a literary device where virtue is ultimately rewarded and vice punished, often in a way that is particularly fitting or ironic. This concept is especially relevant in Restoration tragedy, where the moral order is restored by the end of the narrative, allowing characters to receive their deserved outcomes. The presence of poetic justice reinforces themes of morality and ethical conduct, emphasizing that actions have consequences and that the universe tends to balance itself through justice.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Restoration tragedies, poetic justice typically ensures that characters who commit immoral acts face consequences by the story's conclusion, reinforcing societal norms.
2. The use of poetic justice highlights the moral fabric of society, showing that even in chaotic situations, order and justice can prevail.
3. Notable playwrights of the Restoration period, like John Dryden and Thomas Otway, employed poetic justice to create a satisfying resolution for audiences seeking moral clarity.
4. Restoration tragedies often juxtapose noble characters against corrupt ones, with the virtuous ultimately emerging victorious as a form of poetic justice.
5. The expectation of poetic justice reflects the audience's desire for moral accountability in storytelling, making it a significant aspect of Restoration theatre.

Review Questions

• How does poetic justice function within the context of Restoration tragedy?
  • In Restoration tragedy, poetic justice serves as a mechanism to restore moral order at the end of a play. Characters who engage in wrongful behavior are typically met with fitting consequences, while virtuous characters receive rewards. This alignment with moral outcomes reinforces the societal values of the time and satisfies audiences who seek closure through justice.
• Discuss how the concept of poetic justice contributes to character development in Restoration tragedies.
  • Poetic justice significantly influences character development by placing characters in situations where their choices lead to logical and morally charged outcomes. For example, a character whose ambition leads to betrayal may ultimately face ruin, while a loyal character may triumph. This interplay not only shapes individual arcs but also underscores broader themes of morality and consequence within Restoration literature.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of poetic justice as a narrative device in shaping audience expectations and responses in Restoration tragedy.
  • Poetic justice effectively shapes audience expectations by establishing a framework where moral actions lead to appropriate outcomes. This creates a sense of anticipation for viewers as they watch characters navigate their fates. The satisfaction derived from seeing virtue rewarded and vice punished aligns with audience desires for justice, enhancing emotional engagement with the play. Moreover, it encourages reflection on moral lessons, making it an impactful narrative device in this literary period.

Related terms

Tragic Hero: A tragic hero is a character in a tragedy who experiences downfall due to a tragic flaw, leading to their eventual demise but often serves to highlight moral lessons.

Catharsis: Catharsis is the emotional release experienced by the audience as they witness the unfolding of tragedy, allowing them to confront and purge emotions such as pity and fear.

Irony: Irony involves a contrast between expectation and reality, which can manifest in various forms including situational irony, where the outcome is contrary to what was expected.