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07 Dec 2024 15:30

/ask Revenge has been a longstanding topic of interest in both philosophical and psychological studies, particularly due to its powerful emotional roots and destructive potential. In the context of Seneca’s Thyestes, revenge is not merely a plot device but a central psychological force that governs the behavior of the characters, leading to their eventual ruin. The play provides a complex depiction of how unchecked desire for retribution can engulf individuals, blinding them to their humanity and ultimately leading to their moral and psychological disintegration.

Seneca’s Stoic Philosophy and the Concept of Revenge:
Seneca, a Roman Stoic philosopher, views emotions like anger and revenge as disruptive forces that disturb one’s rationality and peace of mind. In his work On Anger, Seneca argues that anger is a destructive emotion, and he emphasizes the importance of controlling one's emotional reactions to external wrongs. Revenge, as an offshoot of anger, aligns with the Stoic view of irrationality, where revenge is portrayed not as a rational response but as a dangerous obsession that erodes the individual’s capacity for virtue. This view aligns with the portrayal of revenge in Thyestes, where Atreus and Thyestes become slaves to their emotions. Atreus’ desire for vengeance against his brother for a perceived betrayal consumes him to the point where he commits the heinous act of murdering Thyestes’ sons, while Thyestes, in turn, seeks retribution for the loss of his children. The play demonstrates how revenge, unchecked and unfettered, leads to both personal destruction and moral decay.

Psychological Studies on Revenge:

Psychological research on revenge provides insight into the behaviors and emotional states depicted in Thyestes. Studies show that revenge is often driven by feelings of anger, humiliation, or betrayal, all of which are experienced by the characters in the play. In The Psychology of Revenge, Jongsook Lee (2003) examines the inner turmoil of characters in classical literature, emphasizing that revenge can be understood as a psychological cycle. According to Lee, the desire for revenge originates as a way to restore justice or balance, but as it is acted upon, it transforms into an obsessive and destructive force. Lee defines revenge as “a burning desire for revenge,” underscoring its consuming nature. In Thyestes, both brothers become caught in a psychological spiral: Atreus seeks to avenge his betrayal, and Thyestes desires vengeance for the loss of his children. This cycle illustrates how revenge, once initiated, feeds upon itself, driving both parties deeper into violence and hatred, ultimately leading to mutual destruction.

Freud’s theory of aggression and repressed desires in Civilization and Its Discontents (1961) can also be applied to Thyestes. Freud suggests that aggression is a natural, albeit repressed, human instinct, often emerging when individuals experience thwarted desires or injustices. In the case of Atreus and Thyestes, their respective experiences of betrayal and grief manifest in violent, aggressive behavior. Freud’s ideas help explain how revenge may seem like an appropriate reaction to harm but, in fact, it exacerbates the underlying emotions and leads to an escalation of violence, which can only be resolved through further destruction. This psychoanalytic framework aligns with the trajectory of Thyestes, where the characters' initial emotional wounds are never truly healed through revenge. Instead, their unresolved emotional turmoil intensifies as their need for retribution grows.

The Cycle of Revenge in Classical Literature:

The theme of revenge as a cyclical force is not exclusive to Thyestes, but rather a common motif in ancient literature. According to Mercer (1987) in Thyestes and Revenge Structure, revenge in classical works is often structured in a way that perpetuates violence rather than resolving it. In Thyestes, the revenge enacted by Atreus against his brother triggers a series of retaliations, culminating in more suffering for both sides.