In Arthur Hugh Clough's poem "The Latest Decalogue," the line "Thou shalt not steal; an empty feat, When it's so lucrative to cheat" highlights the conflict between moral laws and human temptation. Clough suggests that while society promotes integrity, the allure of dishonest gain often leads individuals to disregard such principles, revealing a cynical view of ethical behavior in the face of temptation.

In a similar vein, Tacitus notes that it is natural for individuals to harbor resentment toward those they have wronged, emphasizing the inherent nature of human emotions. In "The Take" by Martina Cole, this concept of internal conflict and negative emotions serves to illustrate the complexities of personal relationships and the consequences of betrayal, suggesting that wrongdoing not only affects the victim but also weighs heavily on the perpetrator's conscience.