Moral criticism

Definition

Moral criticism is an analytical approach that evaluates literature based on the ethical and moral values presented within a text. It examines how characters' actions and choices reflect moral dilemmas and societal norms, encouraging readers to consider the implications of those values in their own lives. This type of criticism often engages with themes of virtue, vice, and the consequences of moral decisions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hannah Webster Foster's 'The Coquette' is often analyzed through moral criticism due to its exploration of gender roles and societal expectations in early America.
2. The protagonist, Eliza Wharton, embodies the tension between personal desire and societal norms, making her choices a focal point for moral evaluation.
3. The novel critiques the double standards faced by women regarding sexual autonomy and moral judgment, showcasing how societal values impact individual lives.
4. Foster uses Eliza's downfall as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the consequences of succumbing to societal pressures and personal desires without regard for morality.
5. Moral criticism highlights how 'The Coquette' serves as a reflection on the ethical responsibilities of individuals within their communities during the 18th century.

Review Questions

• How does moral criticism help us understand Eliza Wharton's character in 'The Coquette'?
  • Moral criticism sheds light on Eliza Wharton's character by examining her choices against the backdrop of societal expectations and norms. It reveals the internal conflict she faces between her desires and the moral implications of her actions. By analyzing her decisions through this lens, readers can grasp the extent to which her behavior challenges or conforms to contemporary standards of virtue and propriety, ultimately leading to her tragic fate.
• In what ways does Foster use moral criticism to comment on gender roles in 'The Coquette'?
  • Foster employs moral criticism to critique the restrictive gender roles imposed on women in her society. Through Eliza's experiences, she illustrates the harsh judgments women face regarding their sexual behavior while men are often exempt from similar scrutiny. This approach not only highlights the ethical dilemmas surrounding personal choice but also emphasizes how societal expectations can trap individuals in difficult moral quandaries.
• Analyze how Foster's portrayal of consequences for moral choices in 'The Coquette' reflects broader societal values of her time.
  • Foster's portrayal of consequences for Eliza's moral choices serves as a reflection of the broader societal values of 18th-century America. Her tragic downfall underscores the dangers associated with defying societal norms and pursuing personal desires at the expense of virtue. By depicting Eliza's struggle and ultimate demise, Foster critiques a society that punishes women for their transgressions while simultaneously revealing how rigid moral codes can lead to devastating outcomes, making readers question the fairness and implications of such values.

Related terms

Ethical Criticism: A critical approach that focuses on the ethical dimensions of a text, examining how literature conveys moral lessons and influences readers' moral understanding.

Didactic Literature: Literature that is intended to teach a moral lesson or impart ethical guidance to its readers, often explicitly conveying messages about right and wrong.

Character Development: The process by which characters in a narrative grow or change in response to their experiences, often highlighting moral choices and their consequences.