Richard Posner, a famous journalist of our time, has written that our concept of justice is based on revenge. In Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens, revenge plays a strong role in the lives of many of the characters, for it serves as the primary motivation for their actions. Although the characters think that revenge will bring them the fairness they deserve, revenge only brings additional hardship and suffering. Nevertheless, they continually use revenge to achieve the justice that they desperately seek, and they learn, too late, that their manipulative behavior provides no satisfaction.

Miss Havisham is a prime example of someone who uses revenge to achieve justice. On her wedding day, Miss Havisham discovers that her fiancé has left her, and she is devastated. Not only has he rejected her but also has stolen Miss Havisham's money. From that day on, she spends all of her time locked...