Corruption

Definition

Corruption refers to the moral degradation or decline of integrity, often characterized by deceit, dishonesty, and abuse of power. In the context of literature from the Restoration and Early 18th Century, corruption reflects not only individual moral failings but also the broader societal decay that authors sought to critique through their work. This theme often manifests in the critique of politics, social norms, and human behavior, particularly in the face of hypocrisy and greed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Corruption in Restoration and Early 18th Century literature often targets political figures, showcasing their moral failings and hypocrisy.
2. Authors like Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope used satire to expose the corruption within society, employing sharp wit to provoke thought about ethical decay.
3. The portrayal of corrupt characters often serves as a warning against the dangers of ambition and greed, reflecting contemporary anxieties about power and morality.
4. Corruption is frequently depicted through vivid imagery and allegory, allowing writers to convey complex social critiques in an engaging manner.
5. Literature from this era helped shape public perception about corruption, influencing societal attitudes towards governance and personal integrity.

Review Questions

• How do authors from the Restoration and Early 18th Century use the theme of corruption to critique society?
  • Authors from this era employ the theme of corruption as a lens through which they examine societal flaws and moral shortcomings. Through satire, they reveal the hypocrisy of those in power, highlighting how personal vices can lead to broader societal issues. By presenting corrupt characters and situations, writers such as Swift and Pope encourage readers to reflect on the consequences of moral decay within both individuals and institutions.
• In what ways does satire serve as a tool for addressing corruption in literature during this period?
  • Satire serves as a powerful tool for addressing corruption by exposing the absurdities and contradictions inherent in human behavior. It allows authors to confront moral failings indirectly, making their critiques more palatable to audiences who might resist direct confrontation. The exaggerated portrayals of corrupt figures engage readers while prompting critical thought about ethical dilemmas and the responsibilities of those in positions of authority.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of literary portrayals of corruption from the Restoration and Early 18th Century on modern views of ethics in governance.
  • Literary portrayals of corruption during the Restoration and Early 18th Century have significantly shaped modern views on ethics in governance by establishing a tradition of skepticism towards authority figures. The satirical examination of corrupt practices laid groundwork for contemporary discussions about transparency and accountability in leadership. As these themes continue to resonate in modern literature and political discourse, they highlight the enduring relevance of ethical considerations in public life and encourage vigilance against moral decay.

Related terms

satire:

A literary genre that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize or mock individuals or societal norms, often exposing corruption and folly.

hypocrisy:

The act of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one’s own behavior does not conform; a common target for satire in literature.

vice: Immoral or wicked behavior; often contrasted with virtue, vices are central to themes of corruption in literary works.