Ritið : tímarit Hugvísindastofnunar - 01.01.2018, Blaðsíða 142

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A B S T R A C T
Homemade Judiciary
Revenge in the novels Kata by Steinar Bragi and Gott fólk
by Valur Grettisson
The aim of this article is to discuss two contemporary icelandic novels, Kata by
Steinar Bragi and Gott fólk by Valur Grettisson, in connection to interpretations
of revenge literature and films in the field of Law and literature. Both novels deal
with shortcomings in the legal system and judiciary in dealing with and proving
crimes involving rape and sexual abuse. This analysis focuses on how the two novels
are connected to the advocacy for change, both for the legislator and the judicial
system in iceland. The novel Kata is named after the protagonist, whose daughter is
kidnapped, raped and murdered. kata decides to revenge her daughter and murder
the perpetrators, one by one. Throughout the story the reader is made aware of the
necessity of avenge, but still the question of righteousness remains. in Gott fólk the
narrator, Sölvi, is put through an accountability process by Sara and her friends,
after she accuses him of both mental and sexual misconduct during the time of their
relationship. Sölvi experiences the process as revenge, but to the reader it is clear
that he is guilty and cannot cope with that realization. The two novels offer a basis
for discussion on sexual offence, the legal system, revenge and justice.
Keywords: Law and literature, shortcomings in the legal system and judiciary, rape-
revenge, accountability process, Kata, Steinar Bragi, Gott fólk, Valur Grettisson
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