Hypocrisy

Definition

Hypocrisy is the act of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform. It often involves a disparity between what one preaches and what one practices, revealing a lack of sincerity or integrity. This concept is critical in examining societal norms and individual behaviors, particularly as it exposes the contradictions within personal and collective ethics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hypocrisy is prevalent in literature, often serving as a critique of social norms and individual character flaws, reflecting the gap between ideals and reality.
2. In the works of certain authors, hypocrisy can reveal deeper themes of moral conflict and societal expectations, highlighting the complexity of human nature.
3. Characters that exhibit hypocrisy may serve as cautionary examples or satirical figures that challenge the audience's understanding of virtue and morality.
4. The portrayal of hypocrisy can enhance dramatic tension in narratives, as characters struggle between public personas and private actions.
5. In Victorian society, hypocrisy was often linked to strict social codes, where individuals might publicly conform to societal expectations while privately rejecting them.

Review Questions

• How does hypocrisy manifest in major literary works from the late 17th to mid-19th century?
  • Hypocrisy in major literary works from this period often serves as a lens through which authors critique societal norms. For instance, characters who publicly espouse virtues while engaging in vices create dramatic tension and highlight moral contradictions. This theme invites readers to reflect on the nature of integrity and the complexities of human behavior, showing how individuals navigate societal pressures.
• In what ways does Jane Austen utilize irony to expose hypocrisy in her characters and social settings?
  • Jane Austen masterfully employs irony to unveil the hypocrisy of her characters, particularly those who adhere to societal expectations without genuine conviction. For example, characters like Mr. Collins in 'Pride and Prejudice' illustrate how superficial adherence to social norms can reveal deeper flaws in character. Through her keen observations and witty dialogue, Austen highlights the contradictions between appearance and reality, prompting readers to question the authenticity of social façades.
• Discuss how the values and social norms of the Victorian era contributed to the prevalence of hypocrisy among its individuals, as depicted in literature.
  • Victorian values emphasized propriety, moral rectitude, and social status, creating an environment ripe for hypocrisy. Individuals often felt pressured to conform to strict societal standards while grappling with their true desires and beliefs. Literature from this period frequently highlights characters who embody this contradiction, illustrating the dissonance between public persona and private truth. Such portrayals not only critique individual behavior but also comment on the broader implications of societal expectations that demand conformity at the expense of authenticity.

Related terms

Irony: A literary device where the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning, often used to highlight contradictions in human behavior.

Moralism: A belief or attitude that emphasizes morality as a guiding principle, often accompanied by a judgmental stance toward others' behavior.

Satire: A genre that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock individuals, institutions, or societal norms, often revealing hypocrisy.