Revenge: Interplay of Creative and Destructive Forces

Abstract

This paper presents a theory about degrees of revenge and proposes creative, libidinal, and contained ways in which to express this otherwise destructive desire. A review of the literature on revenge first underlines its inherent ubiquity, self-preservative, and adaptive propensities. The exploration of the topic draws from cultural, social/judicial, and clinical texts to elucidate the interplay of creative and destructive elements in revenge. I have used the Structural Model developed by Freud to illuminate and sharpen the argument about revenge because I feel that it is a particularly efficient lens through which to view the issue and because I regularly draw from Freudian and post-Freudian theories, amongst others, in my assessment and interventions with clients.