Subverting Expectations: Modern Stories That Challenge the Idea of Poetic Justice

For centuries, poetic justice has been a staple of storytelling—a satisfying narrative device where characters are rewarded or punished in a way that feels morally appropriate. Villains meet their downfall through their own flaws, and heroes are vindicated for their virtue. However, modern storytelling often thrives on defying conventions, including the idea of poetic justice. By presenting endings that are ambiguous, morally complex, or entirely unjust, contemporary creators challenge audiences to rethink their expectations and confront uncomfortable truths about the nature of justice.

The Rise of Moral Ambiguity

One hallmark of modern stories is their focus on moral complexity. Characters are no longer confined to rigid archetypes of good and evil, and as a result, their fates often reflect this complexity. Take the acclaimed TV series Breaking Bad, where Walter White begins as a sympathetic protagonist but transforms into a morally reprehensible antihero. By the show’s end, Walt’s downfall could be interpreted as poetic justice—his hubris and greed destroy his family and lead to his death. However, the story also complicates this interpretation: his criminal empire achieves his original goal of providing for his family, and his final act grants him a measure of redemption.

Similarly, The Sopranos refuses to deliver definitive justice for its morally corrupt characters. Tony Soprano, a violent mob boss, evades consequences throughout the series, and the infamous cut-to-black ending leaves his ultimate fate unresolved. The lack of traditional poetic justice challenges the audience to grapple with the unsettling reality that, in life, justice is not always served.

Questioning Justice Itself

Some modern stories actively critique the concept of justice, suggesting that it is subjective or unattainable. In No Country for Old Men, the Coen Brothers dismantle the expectation of poetic justice through the character of Anton Chigurh, a hitman guided by his own twisted moral code. Despite his monstrous actions, Chigurh escapes unscathed, while the innocent and virtuous characters suffer brutal deaths. The film’s bleak resolution underscores its central theme: the universe is indifferent to human notions of fairness.

Another striking example is Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite. The film presents a tragic story of class struggle, where the wealthy Park family and the poor Kim family collide in a web of deception and violence. While the Kims’ scheming initially appears to be a path to justice against systemic inequality, the film’s shocking climax subverts this expectation. The rich remain insulated from the consequences of their privilege, while the Kims’ lives spiral into ruin. The absence of poetic justice reflects the harsh realities of social hierarchies and economic disparity.

Redefining Villains and Heroes

Modern stories often blur the lines between villains and heroes, complicating the delivery of poetic justice. In Black Panther, Erik Killmonger is a compelling antagonist whose motivations are rooted in legitimate grievances about oppression and systemic racism. While he meets a tragic end, his actions inspire T’Challa to embrace a more inclusive and progressive vision for Wakanda. Killmonger’s death is not pure poetic justice—it’s a bittersweet moment that highlights the cost of his radicalism while affirming the validity of his ideals.

Similarly, in Joker, Arthur Fleck is both victim and villain. His descent into madness and violence stems from systemic neglect and personal trauma. By the film’s conclusion, his actions are horrifying but also evoke sympathy, leaving viewers conflicted about whether his fate is just. This moral ambiguity defies traditional storytelling norms, where villains’ punishments are neatly aligned with their crimes.

Embracing the Unpredictable

Another way modern stories challenge poetic justice is by embracing chaos and unpredictability. In Game of Thrones, the deaths of beloved characters like Ned Stark and Oberyn Martell defy audience expectations of justice and fairness. These shocking moments emphasize the brutal, often senseless nature of power struggles, where morality is rarely rewarded. While some characters, like Cersei Lannister, eventually face karmic retribution, the journey is riddled with moments that reject the comforting resolution of poetic justice.

Even in comedies, subverting poetic justice can create memorable, thought-provoking narratives. In BoJack Horseman, the titular character faces consequences for his destructive behaviour, but these punishments often feel incomplete or hollow. The show explores the idea that personal growth and accountability are more meaningful than satisfying the audience’s desire for retribution.

Why Subverting Poetic Justice Resonates

In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, modern audiences are drawn to stories that reflect the nuances of real life. Subverting poetic justice mirrors the unpredictability and unfairness of the human experience, encouraging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths rather than seek tidy resolutions. By challenging traditional narratives, these stories invite deeper engagement and self-reflection, asking us to question our assumptions about morality, fairness, and the consequences of our actions.

While poetic justice remains a beloved narrative device, its subversion in modern storytelling opens new avenues for exploring morality and human nature. By embracing ambiguity, unpredictability, and moral complexity, contemporary creators craft stories that resonate with the complexities of real life, where justice is rarely simple—or poetic. In doing so, they push audiences to think beyond the familiar and embrace the messy, often unresolved truths of existence.

Also Read: The Byronic Hero in Gothic Fiction: A Dark Reflection of Society’s Desires and Fears

–Silviya.Y