I absolutely think literature is a great teacher on revenge – it shows us the good, the bad, and the gray in between. In class, my students often talk about how revenge can feel like a quick fix, but the stories always point out the cost – like in “Romeo and Juliet” or the way the ghost in “Hamlet” keeps the cycle spinning. Some of them see it as a way to reclaim dignity, while others see it as a trap that steals their own humanity. It’s a conversation that reminds them that while vengeance may feel satisfying in the moment, the aftermath can leave a lot of empty space. I love how they wrestle with those questions and come away with a deeper sense of empathy.

That’s exactly the spirit I hope to inspire in the classroom—seeing the danger of revenge and using it as a learning point. If you’re looking for ways to spark that conversation, I’d be happy to share some prompts or activities. Let’s make sure the students understand that true power comes from empathy, not retaliation.