Temptation

Definition

Temptation refers to the desire to engage in short-term urges for enjoyment that threatens long-term goals. In the context of literature, particularly in the works of Samuel Richardson, it often highlights moral dilemmas faced by characters as they navigate their desires against societal expectations. This struggle is deeply intertwined with themes of virtue, honor, and the consequences of succumbing to one’s passions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In 'Pamela', the protagonist faces numerous temptations that test her virtue, primarily from Mr. B, who represents both desire and moral conflict.
2. In 'Clarissa', the titular character struggles against temptation throughout her narrative, particularly regarding Lovelace’s advances, which challenge her sense of honor and autonomy.
3. Both novels depict the tension between societal expectations and personal desires, illustrating how characters negotiate their temptations within these constraints.
4. Richardson uses letters as a form of epistolary communication to express the internal struggles related to temptation, giving readers insight into characters' thoughts and feelings.
5. The consequences of giving in to temptation are often portrayed as dire in both novels, leading to social disgrace, loss of virtue, or even tragic outcomes.

Review Questions

• How do the characters in 'Pamela' confront their temptations, and what does this reveal about their moral character?
  • 'Pamela' showcases the protagonist's confrontation with temptation primarily through her interactions with Mr. B. Despite his attempts to seduce her, Pamela remains steadfast in her virtues. This struggle reveals her strength of character and moral resolve, emphasizing Richardson's theme that true virtue is tested through adversity. Ultimately, her resistance against temptation serves as a model for readers about maintaining integrity in challenging situations.
• Discuss how temptation acts as a catalyst for character development in 'Clarissa' and what it signifies for the broader themes of the novel.
  • 'Clarissa' utilizes temptation as a crucial element that propels character development, particularly through Lovelace's relentless pursuit of Clarissa. Her internal conflict surrounding her attraction to him versus her desire to uphold her virtue illustrates the broader themes of autonomy and societal pressure. The novel portrays how succumbing to temptation can lead to tragic consequences, emphasizing the importance of individual choice and the societal expectations that shape those choices.
• Evaluate the role of temptation in shaping the narrative arcs of both 'Pamela' and 'Clarissa', and its impact on readers’ understanding of morality during the Restoration period.
  • 'Pamela' and 'Clarissa' both intricately weave temptation into their narratives, using it to challenge characters’ morals and decisions. The way each protagonist responds to temptation reflects not only personal growth but also critiques societal norms regarding virtue and morality during the Restoration period. By exploring these struggles through epistolary formats, Richardson engages readers in a deeper contemplation of moral dilemmas, prompting them to reflect on their own values amidst similar temptations in their lives.

Related terms

Moral Dilemma: A situation in which a character must choose between conflicting moral principles or values, often leading to significant personal consequences.

Virtue: A character trait or quality deemed morally good and thus valued as a foundation of good moral being, often contrasted with temptation.

Seduction: The act of enticing someone into engaging in behavior that goes against their better judgment or morals, often linked to themes of temptation.