Final answer:
Jeff in Hitchcock's 'Rear Window' is punished for his voyeurism when he is confronted and attacked by the suspect Thorwald, which results in further injury and immobilization. This serves as a narrative consequence for his ethically questionable actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window, the character L.B. “Jeff” Jefferies is a photographer with a broken leg, confined to his apartment, who occupies himself by spying on his neighbors. By doing so, he becomes convinced that his neighbor, Mr. Thorwald, has committed murder. Jeff's voyeuristic activities drive the plot and ultimately lead to the revealing of Thorwald's guilt. The punishment referred to by John Belton for Jeff's invasive behavior occurs near the end of the film when Thorwald confronts and attacks Jeff, resulting in Jeff falling and re-injuring himself, which leads to a further period of immobilization.
The punishment that Jeff receives for his voyeurism can be viewed as both fitting and ironic. It is fitting because it is a direct consequence of his actions, and such poetic justice often occurs in narrative fiction. It is ironic because Jeff, who is punished for his surveillance, had his intent justified when the truth of his suspicions is confirmed. However, the film subtly suggests that his voyeurism is an ethically questionable action, regardless of the outcome, and the harm that befalls him acts as a critique of such behavior.
Whether one agrees with this punishment is subjective, but it does provide a powerful commentary on the consequences of invading the privacy of others, even with seemingly good intentions.