With the death of Osama bin Laden the word which comes to my mind is catharsis and the similar death of Macbeth in Shakespeare.
Macbeth, of course, deserved to be decapitated by Macduff for his fiendish deeds including ordering the deaths of Macduff's wife and child. Macbeth was on a downward spiral as he was motivated by what the witches told him about his kingship.
"Catharsis is the "emotional cleansing" sometimes depicted in a play as occurring for one or more of its characters, as well as the same phenomenon as (an intended) part of the audience’s experience. It describes an extreme change in emotion, occurring as the result of experiencing strong feelings (such as sorrow, fear, pity, or even laughter). It has been described as a "purification" or a "purging" of such emotion. More recently, such terms as restoration, renewal, and revitalization have been used when referencing the effect on members of the audience."
Waves of euphoria and relief have swept through the minds of many who heard the news 9 years and 7 months after the tragic events of 9/11, 2001. Bin Laden got what he deserved.
Does this catharsis motivate the world and ourselves to move toward a better place?
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