Nemesis is an ancient Greek term referring to a just and vengeful force or deity that punishes humans for wrongful or unfair behavior It is often used to refer to a person’s eventual downfall caused by their own actions or choices. The most common example of Nemesis is ‘hubris,’ or excessive pride that leads to a tragic downfall.
Example 1: Explain the concept of Nemesis and hubris in the Greek tragedy Oedipus Rex. In the play, Oedipus Rex, the main character Oedipus displays hubris when he decides to take action and pursue a murderer, despite warnings from oracles that doing so would only lead to his own downfall. Ultimately, his own hubris leads to his tragic downfall as he discovers that he himself is the murderer. In this essay, the student should analyze how Oedipus’ hubris leads to the realization of Nemesis.
Example 2: Analyze the concept of Nemesis in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein creates a monster which eventually leads to his own destruction. He displays hubris when he decides to create life, despite warnings that doing so would bring disaster. In this essay, the student should examine how Victor’s hubris leads to Nemesis and his own destruction.
Example 3: Analyze the concept of Nemesis in the short story “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson. In this story, the protagonist Mrs. Hutchinson displays hubris when she openly criticizes the lottery and attempts to defy tradition. Ultimately, her own hubris leads to her own destruction when she is the one chosen for sacrifice. In this essay, the student should explore how Mrs. Hutchinson’s hubris leads to Nemesis.
Example 4: Compare and contrast the concept of Nemesis and hubris in the novels The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. In The Great Gatsby, the protagonist Jay Gatsby displays hubris when he attempts to defy fate and win the love of Daisy Buchanan. In The Catcher in the Rye, the protagonist Holden Caulfield displays hubris when he attempts to prevent the transition to adulthood. In this essay, the student should analyze how the protagonists’ hubris leads to their respective downfalls.
Example 5: Analyze the concept of Nemesis and hubris in the film Titanic. In this film, the protagonist Jack Dawson displays hubris when he decides to pursue his dream of being an artist, despite warnings that doing so would have disastrous consequences. Ultimately, Jack’s hubris leads to his own destruction. In this essay, the student should explore how Jack’s hubris leads to Nemesis.