Roopa Banerjee “This cricket match is a classic showdown as each team considers the other its nemesis.” “I can’t believe we have to present our projects on the same day as Anil. He’s my academic nemesis; his presentations are always top-notch.” We often use the word nemesis in our daily conversations without realising that it’s a popular literary device used by writers. It is named after nemesis, the goddess of revenge, retribution and divine justice in Greek literature, who wreaked vengeance through varied mystical ways. Her name is derived from the Greek word nemein, which means “to give what is due”. In fiction writing, nemesis is a powerful and recurring theme. Authors often use it to add depth to their narratives and to ensure that characters face the consequences of their choices. This literary device creates tension, drama, and a sense of moral order within the story. A classic example of nemesis in literature is in William Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth. Driven by ambition and manipulated by supernatural forces, Macbeth commits heinous crimes to grab power. However, his nemesis comes in the form of Macduff, a Scottish nobleman who brings about his downfall. Macduff, acting as an agent of justice and retribution, fulfils the role of nemesis in the play. Another literary example of nemesis is in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novel Crime and Punishment. The protagonist, Raskolnikov, is convinced that the murder he committed was to achieve a greater good. However, his nemesis appears in the form of the persistent and astute police detective, Porfiry Petrovich. Throughout the novel, Porfiry serves as Raskolnikov’s moral and intellectual nemesis, leading to the latter’s confession and redemption. Nemesis is used widely in cinema, television shows and comic books. A notable example is the character Joker in DC Comics, and in Christopher Nolan’s movie The Dark Knight. Batman’s arch-nemesis, the Joker, embodies chaos and anarchy, challenging Batman’s sense of justice and morality. The Joker’s conduct becomes Batman’s personal nemesis, illustrating the ongoing conflict between order and chaos. Another pop culture example of nemesis is in the television series Breaking Bad. The protagonist, Walter White, transforms from a mild-mannered chemistry teacher into a ruthless drug lord. Hank Schrader, Walter’s brother-in-law and detective, becomes Walter’s nemesis. Hank’s pursuit of justice and discovery of Walter’s criminal activities add a layer of tension and certainty to the narrative. In Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic Sherlock Holmes series, Professor Moriarty is the arch-nemesis of Sherlock Holmes. Moriarty, a criminal mastermind, engages in a battle of wits with Holmes throughout the series. In the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, dark wizard Lord Voldemort is the primary nemesis of Harry. Their conflict forms the central narrative arc throughout the series. Voldemort becomes the embodiment of evil in the wizarding world and poses a constant threat to Harry and his friends. The animosity between Harry and Voldemort is deeply rooted, and their final confrontation in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is culmination of the nemesis dynamic that has been building throughout the books.…
