She was satisfied after the manner of that Arab woman, who, having received a box on the ear from her husband, went to complain to her father, and cried for vengeance, saying: Father, you owe my husband affront for affront. The father asked: On which cheek did you receive the blow? On the left cheek. The father slapped her right cheek and said: Now you are satisfied. Go tell your husband that he boxed my daughter's ears, and that I have accordingly boxed his wife's.
The quote from Victor Hugo's "Les Misérables" illustrates a unique perspective on retribution and satisfaction in relationships. It narrates the story of an Arab woman who, after being struck by her husband, goes to her father seeking vengeance. The humorous twist comes when her father slaps her on the opposite cheek, signifying that she now has balance in the situation. This highlights the often absurd nature of seeking vengeance, as it may not resolve the underlying issue but instead perpetuates a cycle of retaliatory acts.
This anecdote emphasizes the importance of understanding the futility of revenge. Instead of achieving true satisfaction or justice, the father's method introduces a playful yet critical lens on how feuds escalate. The woman’s original grievance transforms into a slapstick resolution, suggesting that societal norms around honor and vengeance can lead to nonsensical outcomes. Hugo uses this story to provoke thought on the nature of human relationships and the consequences of our actions toward one another.
