How do aesthetic practices of storytelling shape moral understanding of love and desire?
The question of whether and how stories affect people's moral views has been explored extensively in philosophy and literature studies. It is commonly assumed that narratives can influence individuals' beliefs about what is right or wrong, good or bad, just or unjust.
Much less attention has been given to how particular forms of storytelling - such as cinema, television, novels, poetry, and video games - may specifically impact morals related to love and desire. This paper will explore this area by examining four classic literary works from different periods: 'Pride and Prejudice', 'Wuthering Heights', 'Jane Eyre', and 'Lolita'. These works were chosen because they are each known for their complex and nuanced portrayal of romantic relationships. Moreover, they span three centuries and various genres. As such, they provide insight into how changing conceptions of love and desire have shaped literary representations of these themes. Each work will be analyzed in turn, focusing on its unique approach to love, desire, and their ethical implications.
Some general conclusions about the role of storytelling in shaping moral understanding of love and desire will be drawn.
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen's novel 'Pride and Prejudice' (1813) is set in rural England during the early nineteenth century. The main characters are Elizabeth Bennet, a headstrong young woman, and Mr. Darcy, a wealthy man who initially dislikes her but eventually falls in love with her. Throughout the book, Elizabeth must navigate the social conventions of her time while also resisting the pressure to marry someone she does not truly care for. In doing so, she challenges traditional notions of female virtue and independence.
The novel can be seen as promoting a utilitarian view of love, wherein individuals should choose partners based on what is best for them rather than blindly following societal norms or personal feelings. This is demonstrated by Elizabeth's rejection of the more traditionally desirable Mr. Collins in favor of Mr. Darcy. By refusing to sacrifice herself for the sake of appearances, she becomes an empowered agent of her own destiny. At the same time, however, the book also suggests that true love may require compromise and sacrifice - as evidenced by Elizabeth's willingness to move away from her family to be with Darcy. As such, it presents a nuanced and complicated picture of romantic relationships that defies easy categorization.
'Pride and Prejudice' offers a positive portrayal of self-determination and independent thinking, which may encourage readers to question traditional gender roles and expectations.
Its emphasis on practicality and individualism may also suggest that love is primarily a matter of convenience or calculation, without regard for deeper values or emotional connections.
How do aesthetic practices of storytelling shape moral understanding of love and desire?
The artistic and creative forms of expression such as literature, visual art, music, dance, cinema, etc. , are known for their ability to evoke powerful feelings among people. Storytelling is one such form which has been used by humanity since ages to pass on knowledge and wisdom from generation to generation. The stories told have been based on different themes including love and desire. Through these stories, people have learnt about the various dimensions and nuances of these two concepts.