Revenge And Vengeance In Andre Dubus Pulp Fiction

In Andre Dubus’ “Killings,” Matt Fowler, a father, makes a drastic decision to get revenge on his son’s assassin after he is murdered. In Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction” we see similar themes of violence, vengeance, and injustice told with the choices of different characters. The conflict changes with the different actions and motivations of the protagonists, showing different intensities and motives through the stories.

Marsellus Wallace in Pulp Fiction takes revenge on rapist Zeth for purely selfish reasons; where Matt Fowler in Killings takes revenge for the sake of his wife and to avenge his son’s death. Wallace shoots Zeth in the genitals and tells him “I’m not done. Don’t even dream about it. We will get medieval on your ass.” (Tarantino) before describing the horrific acts of torture he and his buddies are about to commit. In contrast, Fowler is not so ruthless to his son’s assailant, but quickly murders him to end the injustice of his living. These revenge-murders are different because of their (thought process) and differences in intensity.
Each protagonist who seeks revenge through murder rationalizes the taking of another’s life in order to allow themselves to kill their enemy.
In a state of mental anguish and torture, Fowler dehumanizes Strout because of what he did to his son. Jules Winnfield, like most psychologically sound people, also must rationalize the value of someone else’s life. He does this by quoting scriptures “… and you will know my name is the LORD when I lay my vengeance upon thee” (Tarantino). In this, he excuses his behavior as rational because it is like the actions of a higher
power.

When people act out of revenge, it is often while under extreme emotion circumstances, inhibiting logical decision-making. When Winnfield killed the man he questions in the beginning of the movie, he demonstrates a severe lack of self-control with steadily increasing vocal and emotional intensity.” And you will know my name is the LORD when I lay my vengeance upon thee.” (Tarantino) Unusual emotions and situations probe for unusual results. When Winnfield takes action, he does so whimsically and without concern. However, when Fowler decides to kill Strout, he understands the results and consequences that could arise, making a more even-tempered response.

Similar to Fowler, Butch Coolidge seeks revenge on his employer because of an injustice committed that adversely affects him and those he supports. Wallace speaks with Coolidge about his increasing age and decreasing strength and he must forfeit the next match, when he tells him

[Marsellus:] “In the fifth [round] your ass goes down. Say it.

[BUTCH:] In the fifth my ass goes down” (Tarantino).

Instead of resorting to a bloody murder like other protagonists, Coolidge scams his boss by betting on himself in the match he should have lost. In result, the two resolve their issues and agree to remain out of each other’s life. This is more universally beneficial and a better choice than murder in revenge.

Through it all, people make vengeful choices and take many approaches to revenge. Revenge is never the most logical nor reasonable method of reparation for a misdeed. Humankind is infinitely flawed and we cannot control that. What we can control, however, we can be sure to do what is responsible and rational and seek consolation or closure, not revenge.

Bibliography

Pulp Fiction. Dir. Tarantino, Quentin. Perf. Ving Rhames, Bruce Lee. Miramax Films, 1994. DVD

Tarantino, Quentin. “Ezekiel 25:17 - Pulp Fiction (3/12) Movie CLIP (1994) HD”. YouTube.

YouTube, 28 Sept. 2011. Web. 1 Apr. 2013

Pulp Fiction. Dir. Tarantino, Quentin. Perf. Samuel L. Jackson, John Travolta. Miramax Films, 1994. DVD

Tarantino, Quentin. “are you my nigga?” YouTube. YouTube 3 Jan 2007. Web. 1 Apr. 2013