Moral dilemmas

Definition

Moral dilemmas are situations where a person faces conflicting moral principles, requiring a choice that often involves sacrificing one ethical value for another. These dilemmas often highlight the complexity of ethical decision-making and can reveal deep truths about character, society, and the nature of good and evil. In literature, they serve to challenge characters and provoke thought in readers about the consequences of their choices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In 'Le Morte d'Arthur', characters like King Arthur often face moral dilemmas, weighing duty against personal loyalty or love.
2. These dilemmas typically showcase the tension between individual desires and the collective good, especially in the context of chivalric values.
3. Moral dilemmas in this work help to explore themes such as honor, betrayal, and the consequences of choices made by the knights of the Round Table.
4. The resolution of these dilemmas frequently leads to tragic outcomes, reinforcing the idea that moral choices are fraught with difficulty and complexity.
5. Moral dilemmas often serve as turning points for characters, influencing their development and the narrative trajectory of the story.

Review Questions

• How do moral dilemmas faced by characters in 'Le Morte d'Arthur' reflect the broader themes of honor and loyalty?
  • Moral dilemmas in 'Le Morte d'Arthur' often force characters like Lancelot and Arthur to choose between personal loyalty and their obligations to others. These situations highlight the conflict between individual desires and the ideals of chivalry, showing how honor can lead to betrayal or tragedy. The choices made by these characters not only define their arcs but also resonate with themes of loyalty and duty that permeate the narrative.
• Evaluate how moral dilemmas contribute to character development within 'Le Morte d'Arthur'.
  • Moral dilemmas are crucial for character development in 'Le Morte d'Arthur', as they provide moments of introspection and conflict that reveal deeper truths about each character. For example, Lancelot's struggle between his love for Guinevere and his loyalty to Arthur illustrates his inner conflict and contributes to his tragic downfall. Such dilemmas force characters to confront their values, ultimately shaping their identities and destinies.
• Assess the impact of moral dilemmas on the overall narrative structure of 'Le Morte d'Arthur' and its thematic exploration.
  • Moral dilemmas serve as pivotal moments in 'Le Morte d'Arthur', impacting not just character arcs but also the overarching narrative structure. These conflicts introduce tension and uncertainty, pushing characters towards decisions that reveal their true nature while propelling the plot forward. By examining these dilemmas, readers gain insight into complex themes such as the nature of good versus evil, the responsibilities of leadership, and the consequences of personal choice within a broader societal context.

Related terms

Ethics: The branch of philosophy dealing with what is morally right and wrong, guiding principles for behavior.

Character Development: The process of creating a believable character who undergoes change or growth throughout a story.

Consequentialism: An ethical theory that judges whether or not something is right by what its consequences are.