Moral hypocrisy

Definition

Moral hypocrisy refers to the act of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform. This often involves a disconnect between one's expressed values and actual actions, revealing a tendency to judge others while failing to uphold the same principles oneself. In literature, this theme is prevalent as characters and societies often expose the contradictions between proclaimed ethics and real-life practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In 'Gulliver's Travels,' Swift showcases moral hypocrisy through the actions of various societies that claim to hold high moral standards while engaging in unethical practices.
2. Swift's 'A Modest Proposal' starkly reveals the moral hypocrisy of British attitudes towards the poor, using shocking satire to highlight the indifference of society.
3. Fielding’s 'Joseph Andrews' explores moral hypocrisy by contrasting characters who profess virtue but often act immorally, reflecting on social pretensions.
4. Moral hypocrisy serves as a critique of Enlightenment ideals, revealing the limitations of rationality when disconnected from genuine ethical behavior.
5. Both Swift and Fielding use their narratives to confront readers with the uncomfortable truths about their own moral inconsistencies.

Review Questions

• How does Jonathan Swift utilize moral hypocrisy in 'Gulliver's Travels' to comment on societal values?
  • 'Gulliver's Travels' utilizes moral hypocrisy by presenting societies that profess ideals of enlightenment and rationality while exhibiting cruel and absurd behaviors. For instance, the Houyhnhnms pride themselves on reason and virtue, yet they fail to recognize the value of emotional connections and empathy. Through these contrasts, Swift critiques not just individual characters but also the broader societal standards that allow such hypocrisy to thrive.
• In what ways does 'A Modest Proposal' illustrate moral hypocrisy within British society towards the Irish poor?
  • 'A Modest Proposal' vividly illustrates moral hypocrisy by exposing how British society espouses a veneer of compassion while neglecting the dire suffering of the Irish population. Swift's satirical suggestion of eating infants mocks the shocking indifference of policymakers and wealthy citizens who fail to take genuine action against poverty. The proposal serves as an extreme critique of a society that prioritizes its own comfort over moral responsibility.
• Evaluate how Henry Fielding's portrayal of characters in 'Joseph Andrews' reflects the theme of moral hypocrisy and its impact on societal norms.
  • 'Joseph Andrews' presents characters like Lady Booby and Parson Adams, whose actions starkly contrast with their proclaimed morals. Fielding evaluates this hypocrisy through various comedic situations that reveal societal pretensions about virtue and morality. By highlighting these contradictions, Fielding prompts readers to scrutinize their own values and actions, suggesting that true morality lies in consistency between belief and behavior rather than mere words or appearances.

Related terms

Satire: A literary genre that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock social, political, or moral issues.

Picaresque: A genre of fiction that follows a roguish protagonist as they navigate through various adventures and often critique societal norms.

Irony: A rhetorical device where the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning, often highlighting contradictions in behavior or beliefs.