Final answer:
In 'The Virginian,' the protagonist's concept of justice is seen through the lens of historical context and personal beliefs, reflecting a time when justice was not solely determined by codified law.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of justice in the novel The Virginian is complex and reflects the historical context and personal ethics of the characters rather than a modern understanding of legal justice. In the passage, the Virginian appears to distinguish between personal vengeance and what he sees as justice, suggesting a moral rationale for his actions despite them being "technically illegal".
This mirrors the historical attitudes where figures like George Fitzhugh defended slavery as a form of paternal care, and white Southerners justified violent acts like those of the Ku Klux Klan as necessary responses to political challenges. It is a reflection of the times when individual notions of right and wrong were strongly influenced by personal beliefs and social norms rather than strictly codified laws that we understand today.