Poetic Justice

Definition:

A literary technique in which the actions of a character are either rewarded or inversely punished. It is often accompanied by an ironic twist of fate related to the actions of the character. This technique is often used to inspire good moral values.

Example in Lord of the Rings

Poetic justice can be found in The Fellowship of the Ring in the character Boromir. Boromir is driven to be part of the fellowship in a search for the power that the ring holds. Eventually, his thirst for power leads Boromir to attempt to steal the ring from Frodo. Soon after these evil actions, the man meets an untimely death at the hands of the Orcs despite his best efforts to right his past wrongs by defending Merry and Pippin.

Function

Tolkien uses the death of Boromir to spark the breaking of the fellowship; however, he also uses Boromir’s previous actions in order to create a sense of poetic justice. Although readers might mourn the death of Boromir, they can also see the reason that Boromir had to meet this end. As a result of the hold that the Ring had on Boromir he could have easily, in some way, kept Frodo from completing his quest. It also gives the reader a better sense of good morals and encourages the reader to avoid seeking power.

Another Example: Shakespeare’s King Lear

‘“My name is Edgar, and thy father’s son.

The gods are just, and of our pleasant vices

Make instruments to plague us.

The dark and vicious place where thee he got

Cost him his eyes.”’

Original Mnemonic

“I tried to burn a pile of poetry, but justice was immediately served as I set myself aflame.”