Moral virtue

Definition

Moral virtue refers to the qualities or traits that define an individual's moral character and ethical behavior, emphasizing principles such as honesty, integrity, compassion, and responsibility. In literature, moral virtue often serves as a guiding principle for characters, reflecting societal ideals and expectations surrounding personal conduct and relationships.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Moral virtue is a key theme in sentimental and seduction novels, where characters are often judged based on their ethical choices and moral integrity.
2. In the context of the Cult of Domesticity, moral virtue is closely tied to the ideal of women as guardians of morality within the home, highlighting their role in shaping societal values.
3. Moral virtue in literature serves to reinforce social norms and expectations, often rewarding virtuous characters while punishing those who stray from ethical conduct.
4. The portrayal of moral virtue can influence readers' perceptions of right and wrong, shaping societal beliefs about character and morality during the time period.
5. Many narratives emphasize the struggle between personal desires and societal expectations, showcasing how characters navigate their own moral virtues in light of external pressures.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of moral virtue manifest in the characters of sentimental and seduction novels?
  • In sentimental and seduction novels, moral virtue is often showcased through character development and the choices they make. Characters are typically faced with dilemmas that challenge their integrity and ethical beliefs, which ultimately shape their fates. Readers witness how virtuous behavior leads to positive outcomes while immoral actions result in downfall, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a strong moral character.
• Discuss the relationship between moral virtue and women's roles as portrayed in the Cult of Domesticity.
  • The Cult of Domesticity establishes a direct link between women's roles and moral virtue by positioning women as the moral compass of the household. Women were expected to uphold ethical standards within the home, instilling values in their children and managing family life with integrity. This societal expectation placed a significant burden on women to embody moral virtues such as compassion and nurturing, thus reinforcing their importance in shaping a virtuous society.
• Evaluate the impact of moral virtue on societal norms and individual character development in early American literature.
  • Moral virtue played a crucial role in shaping both societal norms and individual character development within early American literature. As stories often highlighted characters' ethical dilemmas, they served as reflections of contemporary values regarding right and wrong. The narratives reinforced societal expectations by promoting virtues that aligned with cultural ideals while critiquing behaviors that contradicted them. This dynamic not only influenced readers' understanding of morality but also contributed to ongoing discussions about ethics in a rapidly changing society.

Related terms

Sentimentalism: A literary movement that emphasizes emotion and the importance of feelings in moral decision-making, often highlighting moral virtues through character development.

Domesticity: The cultural ideal that emphasizes the home and family as central to women's roles, often linking moral virtue with women's responsibilities in maintaining a moral household.

Ethics: A branch of philosophy that involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong behavior, often connected to discussions of moral virtue.