The Crock of Gold · Theme
Justice as Readjustment
How The Crock of Gold develops Justice as Readjustment.
Justice is portrayed not as punishment but as the restoration of equilibrium, a natural readjustment demanded by the Earth itself, contrasting sharply with the vengeful, mechanical systems of human law.
Where it surfaces
- IV
The Leprecauns seek justice for the theft of their gold, but their vengeance is complicated by fairy laws and the Thin Woman's disavowal of responsibility.
- Book IV: The Philosopher’s Return
The Philosopher's arrest for murder suggests a reckoning or readjustment of his actions and beliefs.
- XIII
Justice is defined as the maintaining of equilibrium and readjustment of a thwarted consciousness, rejecting revenge and punishment as products of timorous intellect.
- Book V: The Policemen
The return of the gold to the Leprecauns and the arrest of the Philosopher reflect a readjustment of order.
- XV
The Philosopher's decision to surrender to the police, believing an innocent man cannot be oppressed, embodies a view of justice as a personal and societal readjustment.