MORAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING IN MIDDLEMARCH AND OLIVER TWIST
Abstract
This article examines the representation of moral responsibility and ethical decision-making in George Eliot’s Middlemarch and Charles Dickens’s Oliver Twist. Although both novels explore human morality, they differ significantly in narrative strategy and philosophical depth. Middlemarch portrays morality as complex, gradual, and psychologically driven, emphasizing internal conflicts, moral reflection, and personal growth. In contrast, Oliver Twist presents morality in clearer terms, sharply distinguishing between good and evil while highlighting the effects of social injustice and poverty. Through comparative textual analysis and sociological criticism, this study demonstrates how moral values are shaped by both individual conscience and societal influence. The findings reveal that Victorian literature plays a vital role in developing ethical awareness by illustrating the consequences of moral choices within social structures.
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References
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Discusses Dickens’s moral vision and ethical purpose in his novels.
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Analyzes George Eliot’s moral realism and ethical complexity.
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Provides foundational concepts for character, plot, and moral conflict analysis.
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→ Examines Dickens’s social criticism and moral engagement.
