Poetic Justice - English Definition & Meaning

Definition

Poetic justice is when something happens in a story (or real life) where a character gets what they deserve in a particularly fitting or ironic way. 🎭 It's not just any punishment or reward, but one that cleverly reflects their actions. Think of it like karma but with a touch of artistic flair. Imagine a villain who's obsessed with cleanliness slipping on a banana peel; that's poetic justice. It's satisfying because it feels like the universe is telling a story. It's different from regular justice, which is more about fairness and legality, rather than narrative satisfaction.

Etymology

The term "poetic justice" was coined by Thomas Rymer, an English literary critic, in the late 17th century. Rymer believed that literature should teach moral lessons and reward virtue while punishing vice appropriately. The word "poetic" refers to the artful, story-like quality of the outcome. The term blends the artistic ideal of moral instruction with a sense of deservedness. It suggests a planned, intentional outcome as if the universe is a playwright.

Related Words

Examples

• "In the movie, the hacker got hacked; talk about poetic justice! 💻"
• "After cheating on the test, Sarah failed the class; it was poetic justice."
• "The bully who stole lunch money ended up spilling his own lunch everywhere; poetic justice at its finest! 🤣"
• "The gossiper's secrets were revealed to everyone; that's some poetic justice."

Encouragement

Spotting poetic justice is fun! Look for those satisfying moments in stories and life where characters face fitting consequences. It adds an extra layer of enjoyment to any narrative. 😉 Keep an eye out for it!

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