Katharsis

We had a discussion in class today about "revenge" and "katharsis".

Revenge (n) - retaliation taken in return for an injury or offense
Katharsis (n) - (psychoanalysis) purging of emotional tensions

I suggested to the class that "revenge" and "katharsis" stand together the same way "jealousy" and "envy" do. A person who seeks revenge is clearly looking to cause some sort of pain to the opposition, and/or take it to the extreme. A person seeking katharsis is "letting off healthy steam", as we mentioned in class. I believe it is the same with jealousy and envy. To be envious denotes a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another's advantages, success, or possessions. However, if one is jealous of another, it implies feeling resentment against someone because of that person's rivalry, success, or advantages. Senior year of high school, my English teacher, whom I hate with passion today, clarified jealousy implies hate. As does revenge, I suppose. Revenge is taken to an extreme, the same way it is done with jealousy. Nonetheless, my teacher agreed with me today, so I assume my position is correct.