Moral dilemmas

Definition

Moral dilemmas are situations in which a person faces conflicting ethical principles or values, making it challenging to determine the right course of action. These dilemmas often highlight the complexities of human nature and the struggle between personal desires and societal expectations. In literature, especially in epistolary novels, moral dilemmas serve as pivotal plot devices that reveal characters' internal conflicts and drive the narrative forward.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In 'Pamela', the protagonist faces moral dilemmas concerning her virtue and the pressures to compromise her values for security and acceptance.
2. Clarissa experiences profound moral dilemmas related to love, autonomy, and societal constraints, showcasing her struggle between personal happiness and societal approval.
3. Richardson uses letters as a narrative technique to reveal characters' inner thoughts, making their moral dilemmas more relatable and poignant.
4. The resolution of these moral dilemmas often reflects the prevailing social norms of the Restoration and early 18th century, shedding light on issues of gender, class, and morality.
5. These moral conflicts encourage readers to reflect on their own ethical beliefs and the complexities of human behavior in difficult situations.

Review Questions

• How do moral dilemmas in 'Pamela' illustrate the tension between personal values and societal expectations?
  • In 'Pamela', the main character grapples with moral dilemmas that highlight her struggle to maintain her virtue in a society that often devalues women’s autonomy. For example, when faced with Mr. B's advances, Pamela must choose between submission for security or standing firm in her principles. This tension between her personal values and societal pressures showcases the challenges individuals face when navigating moral landscapes dictated by external expectations.
• Analyze how Richardson's portrayal of Clarissa's moral dilemmas contributes to the theme of individual autonomy versus social obligation.
  • Richardson's portrayal of Clarissa illustrates her intense moral dilemmas surrounding love and personal choice against the backdrop of rigid social obligations. As she struggles with her feelings for Lovelace while also contending with her family's demands, her decisions reflect a broader commentary on women's rights during this period. Clarissa's plight highlights the conflict between pursuing one's desires and adhering to societal norms, making her journey both tragic and compelling.
• Evaluate the impact of moral dilemmas on character development in Richardson's epistolary novels, considering how they shape readers' perceptions of morality.
  • Moral dilemmas are central to character development in Richardson's epistolary novels, as they force characters like Pamela and Clarissa to confront their ethical beliefs and make significant choices. These dilemmas not only reveal their strengths and vulnerabilities but also challenge readers to examine their own moral frameworks. By placing characters in complex situations where right and wrong are not clear-cut, Richardson encourages a deeper understanding of morality that resonates with contemporary audiences.

Related terms

Ethics: A branch of philosophy that deals with questions about what is morally right or wrong, guiding individuals in their decision-making processes.

Character Development: The process by which a character undergoes significant change throughout a story, often influenced by their experiences and moral choices.

Conflict: A struggle between opposing forces, which can be internal (within a character) or external (between characters or groups), driving the plot and character development.