One aspect of the course that I feel has been addressed in very different ways thus far is morality. It has been a theme addressed throughout the literature we have read thus far in many different ways, depending on both the society and characters of the text.
Pride and Prejudice critiques morality primarily through Austen’s use of pairing and foils. A subtle depiction of who embodies ‘good morals’ (relative to the characters’ society) is shown based on different marriages. Lydia and Wickham’s marriage serves as an example of characters that go against the virtues of society. Their elopement is not shown as an act of true love, and additionally is not of mutual benefit. Lydia’s irrational desire for a husband, particularly a soldier, overpowers the fact that Wickham is known to be untrustworthy and dishonorable. He takes advantage of her feelings, which does not really result in happiness for either character. The negative implications of their relationship and disproval from the Bennet family indicate they do not exemplify moral standards of society. They are contrasted with Jane and Bingley, who seem to represent qualities most desired in individuals and in marriage. Both desire one another, and also provide a mutual benefit in a relationship, therefore displaying a more societally correct behavior.
Wuthering Heights shows yet another subtle inclusion of morality, yet there is no true resolution to the question of good moral values. Brontë presents Heathcliff as lacking a distinct moral guide, with his decisions being made solely based on his own wants and desires. He is shown in opposition to Nelly, who holds a more traditional, Christian set of morals and serves to guide and critique several other characters and their actions. She, however, still does not maintain a truly pure moral compass- she often stretches the truth and is also at the center of action in many parts of the text. It is unclear how reliable she actually is because the novel is told from her perspective. The contrast between these characters, in addition to others, really never allows for the creation of a character that serves as a moral guide for others.
The Four Feathers is the one novel that almost outright addresses the issue of morality and what it means to be a ‘good’ person in this society. In conjunct with masculinity, Harry’s journey shows an evolution of virtues relative to his participation in the military. When he does not go to Egypt, Harry is shown to be less masculine and additionally violates society’s moral standards. Throughout his journey to get the men to take back their feathers, he develops as a character and progresses in terms of moral standards. He demonstrates that developing and upholding a certain moral code sometimes results in sacrifice. He does what he thinks is the right thing, leaving behind his family and suffering for several years before finally returning home. While prompted by the feathers, these are all decisions made on Harry’s part to prove himself to society.
While I think the issues presented in each novel are more complicated, I think it is most interesting because of the binary each text sets up. There are many different approaches either developing a contrast between morally ‘good’ and ‘bad’ characters or excluding any characters that serve as a moral guide, thereby prompting readers to infer what type of morality is most desirable. The novels bear similarities, however, morality and the importance of moral standards is truly dependent on each individual society.