We had to read this passage and answer questions. thank you! passage:

For english i had a commonlit for homework and i need help on it. We had to read this passage and answer questions. thank you!

passage:

ON REVENGE

by Sir Francis Bacon

1625

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Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626) was an English philosopher, statesman, author, and advocate-practitioner of the scientific method during the scientific revolution. This passage discusses the notion of revenge, why some seek it, and the consequences of this fixation.

As you read, take notes on Bacon's argument, and the purpose behind his comments.

"Francis Bacon, Viscount St Alban" by John Vanderbank is in the public domain.

[1]Revenge is a kind of wild justice; which the more man's nature runs to, the more ought law to weed it out. For as for the first wrong, it doth but offend the law; but the revenge of that wrong pulleth the law out of office. Certainly, in taking revenge, a man is but even with his enemy; but in passing it over, he is superior; for it is a prince's part to pardon. And Salomon,1 I am sure, saith, It is the glory of a man to pass by an offence.2

That which is past is gone, and irrevocable;3 and wise men have enough to do with things present and to come: therefore they do but trifle with themselves, that labour in past matters.  

There is no man doth a wrong for the wrong's sake; but thereby to purchase himself profit, or pleasure, or honour, or the like. There why should I be angry with a man for loving himself better than me? And if any man should do wrong merely out of ill nature, why, yet it is but like the thorn or briar, which prick and scratch, because they can do no other.  

The most tolerable sort of revenge is for those wrongs which there is no law or remedy; but then let a man take heed the revenge be such as there is no law to punish; else a man's enemy is still beforehand, and it is two for one.

[5]Some, when they take revenge, are desirous the party should know whence4 it cometh: this is the more generous. For the delight seemeth to be not so much in doing the hurt as in making the party repent: but base5 and crafty cowards are like the arrow that flieth in the dark.

Cosmus, Duke of Florence,6 had a desperate saying against perfidious or neglecting friends, as if those wrongs were unpardonable: You shall read (saith he) that we are commanded to forgive our friends. But yet the spirit of Job7 was in a better tune: Shall we (saith he) take good at God's hands, and not be content to take evil also? And so of friends in a proportion.

This is certain, that a man that studieth revenge keeps his own wounds green,8 which otherwise would heal and do well.

Public revenges are for the most part fortunate; as that for the death of Caesar;9 for the death of Pertinax;10 for the death of Henry the Third of France;11 and many more. But in private revenges it is not so. Nay rather, vindictive persons live the life of witches; who as they are mischievous, so end they unfortunate.  

question 1 PART A: Which of the following best describes a central idea of the text?

1. A Revenge is a moral and legal crime.
2. B Revenge and justice are the same thing; what we call it depends on the situation.
3. C If the law cannot guarantee justice, then it is up to the injured party to seek reparation.
4. D To dwell on revenge is to dwell in the past, never moving forward, and therefore overall not worth the effort.

question 2

PART A: What does the term "perfidious" most closely mean as used in paragraph 6?

1. A Impatient
2. B Faithful
3. C Snobbish
4. D Disloyal

question 3.

PART B: Which phrase from the paragraph best supports the answer to Part A?

1. A"desperate saying"
2. B"unpardonable
3. C"commanded to forgive"
4. D"content to take evil"

question 4.

What is the author's likely purpose in this passage?

1. A To advocate for revenge under most circumstances
2. B To advocate against all forms of revenge
3. C To examine the nature and consequences of revenge
4. D To examine the legal limits of justice and revenge