Jealousy and Revenge

Jealousy and Revenge appears as a literary theme in 6 works in the BetterReads curated set. Each book develops the idea in its own plot, voice, and historical moment — the links below open the book-scoped theme guide beside the text.

Jealousy among gods and mortals frequently sparks cycles of vengeance, such as Juno's persecution of Hercules, Medea's revenge on Jason, and the bloody conflicts in the Nibelungenlied.

Jealousy, particularly Charmion's unrequited love for Harmachis and her rivalry with Cleopatra, fuels acts of betrayal and a long-term quest for vengeance that shapes the plot's outcome.

Jealousy is a central motivator, particularly Ayesha's murder of Ustane out of romantic rivalry, and her curses against the Egyptian woman, showing how jealousy can lead to cruelty and violence across centuries.

Jealousy is a key motive for the murder, as a woman driven by hatred for her rival conceives a plan to kill. The theme of revenge is explored through the emotional intensity and violent actions of characters who feel wronged in love.

Isaac Boxtel's envy of Cornelius's horticultural success leads him to sabotage, theft, and false accusations, showing how jealousy can corrupt and drive a person to criminal acts.

Long-standing grudges and vengeful schemes, such as du Croisier's hatred for the d'Esgrignon family, drive much of the plot, illustrating how jealousy can fester for decades in close-knit communities.