Moral earnestness

Definition

Moral earnestness refers to a deep commitment to ethical principles and values, often characterized by sincerity, seriousness, and a genuine pursuit of goodness. This quality is reflected in actions and beliefs that prioritize moral integrity, aligning personal conduct with a strong sense of duty or righteousness. In various literary contexts, this concept shapes characters' motivations and the themes explored in their narratives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Moral earnestness became prominent during the Oxford Movement as it sought to revive religious conviction and ethical seriousness within the Church of England.
2. Writers associated with the Oxford Movement often infused their literature with themes of moral earnestness, illustrating characters grappling with ethical dilemmas.
3. This term is closely linked to the Victorian era's emphasis on morality, where literature served as a vehicle for moral instruction and reflection.
4. Prominent figures like John Henry Newman emphasized moral earnestness as crucial for genuine faith and spirituality during the Oxford Movement.
5. Literary works from this period reflect a tension between personal desires and societal expectations, with moral earnestness guiding characters toward resolution.

Review Questions

• How did moral earnestness influence the themes present in literature during the Oxford Movement?
  • Moral earnestness significantly shaped literary themes during the Oxford Movement by emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct and spiritual integrity. Authors used their narratives to explore characters who faced moral dilemmas, reflecting society's growing concern for moral values. This focus not only served as a means of character development but also allowed writers to critique contemporary social issues through a lens of ethical seriousness.
• In what ways did key figures of the Oxford Movement advocate for moral earnestness in their writings?
  • Key figures of the Oxford Movement, such as John Henry Newman, advocated for moral earnestness by emphasizing its role in authentic religious practice. Their writings called for a revival of sincere faith and ethical living within the Church of England. They argued that genuine spirituality could only be achieved through a deep commitment to moral principles, which became a central tenet reflected in their theological arguments and literary works.
• Evaluate how the concept of moral earnestness interacts with broader societal changes during the Victorian era as reflected in literature.
  • The concept of moral earnestness interacts deeply with broader societal changes during the Victorian era by addressing shifts in religious belief, social norms, and individual responsibilities. As industrialization and urbanization transformed society, literature served as a means to critique these changes while promoting ethical behavior amidst rapid transformation. Authors used moral earnestness to highlight conflicts between personal desires and societal expectations, illustrating how characters navigated these tensions while seeking truth and righteousness in an evolving world.

Related terms

Ethical Idealism: A philosophical perspective that emphasizes the importance of moral values and principles as the foundation for personal conduct and societal norms.

Moral Philosophy: The study of what is right and wrong, including the examination of ethical theories that guide individuals in making moral choices.

Altruism: A selfless concern for the well-being of others, often driving individuals to act in ways that benefit others without expecting anything in return.