This Winter Issue of the Pearl S. Buck Literary Journal
includes 11 selections on the theme of Revenge – Sought or Untaken
in genres ranging from short story to memoir and poetry.
Following the introduction by Susan E. Wagner
is a table of contents with links to each selection.
Revenge
By Susan E. Wagner
The process of choosing a theme for a journal issue is entirely subjective. This time we wanted something darker and a little bit out of our comfort zone but still large enough to inspire writers. Revenge met our criteria.
Revenge is as old as humanity. It has been illustrated in ancient pictographs and told in ancient tales. Religion and civilizations are full of such stories and the resulting fall-out of acts of revenge. From Homer’s The Iliad to Stephen King’s Carrie, tales of revenge have grabbed our imaginations and seized our worst dreams. Whether it is a small or large act involving two people or two cultures, people regularly carry out acts of revenge.
While fans of Quentin Tarantino might enjoy the violent acts of revenge in his movies, scientists have discovered the far more complicated psychological responses individuals experience before, during, and after committing acts of even petty revenge. Their data suggests revenge is less sweet and more mentally disturbing. Given the complexity of individual personalities, the types, severity, and acts of vengeance are endlessly inventive, making it one of literature’s great themes. It’s no wonder that religion and ethics teach restraint, given the destructive potential of revenge. But it does make for great stories and exciting writing.
Some say that revenge is best served cold; others say that the revenger should dig two graves, one for the victim and the other for the revenger himself. Some others see revenge as the rough justice of a troubled mind. Some consider revenge the Eighth Deadly Sin.
Still, as writers, we hope you enjoy the diverse voices in this issue of the journal and their interpretations of Revenge.
Table of Contents – Winter 2021 Issue
(Click title to read selection.
Author’s biography at end of contribution.)
A Short Story by Bob McCrillis
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A Short Story by Susan E. Wagner
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A Poem by John McCabe
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A Memoir by Daphne Freise
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A Short Story by Jennifer Klepsch
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A Short Story by Anne K. Kaler
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A Short Story by Joel Mendez
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A Memoir by Karen Edwards
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A Poem by Abby Mendez
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A Memoir by Daphne Freise
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A Short Story by Susan E. Wagner
Pearl S. Buck Writing Center 