2002. Morally ambiguous characters -- characters whose behavior discourages readers from identifying them as purely evil or purely good -- are at the heart of many works of literature. Choose a novel or play in which a morally ambiguous character plays a pivotal role. Then write an essay in which you explain how the character can be viewed as morally ambiguous and why his or her moral ambiguity is significant to the work as a whole. Avoid mere plot summary.
While watching shows such as Dexter or House, deciding whether to root for or to oppose the morally ambiguous main character is a struggle. In Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, the reader enters a love-hate relationship with the protagonist, Raskolnikov. Dostoyevsky first draws the reader into the complex mind of his main character, and then uses this conflicted individual to make the reader question the validity of a black and white world.
The reader finds Raskolnikov in two opposite situations, solidifying his status as morally ambiguous. First, Raskolnikov murders an old woman and her sister. Dostoyevsky chooses words that make the reader cringe, almost able to feel Raskolnikov’s axe crashing down on the heads of his victims. The reader is sure this man must be evil. How could anyone who commits such a crime be anything short of a monster? Then, Raskolnikov is shown in a new light. After receiving a letter from his mother and sister, the softer side the protagonist comes out. Though just pages before, the reader was sure Raskolnikov was not even human, now he seems capable of love. .
Raskolnikov’s moral ambiguity makes the reader question definitions. Raskolnikov cannot be pigeon-holed into the category of “hero” nor “villain”, casting doubt on other labels. What is wrong? Yes, murder is labeled “wrong”, but who decides on these labels? Maybe the murder of Alyona Ivanovna, the old pawnbroker, was not a crime, but a good deed. After all, this wealthy old woman was bitter and useless. Raskolnikov states that he intends to use her money for good. He could give it to the poor, or use it to finance his education. Further, Raskolnikov justifies his action by asserting that all “great men” must remove obstacles in order to become great, often equating himself with Napoleon. Christopher Columbus slaughtered large numbers of Native Americans, and modern society named a day after him. How is this different than Raskolnikov’s “crime”?
This was a fascinating essay! Moral ambiguity in literature is pretty much my favorite thing ever so I loved reading your essay! You raised some extremely thought-provoking points in a very well-organized and understandable fashion. Your use of evidence was great without becoming plot summary, and you really gave the reader an idea of the complexities of the protagonists character! Your point about Columbus was awesome, and I think it should definitely stay, but I don't know if the AP people want us to reference things outside the novel, you know? Again, I would keep it but who knows with the Exam; they're picky. One thing you are missing is a conclusion to wrap up your ideas, which the AP people will definitely want. Another is just this: while the author clearly calls into question ethics and the existance of good and evil, is there a specific target at which he is aiming? How does the moral ambiguity of this character relate to the story of the novel? Or is the author just asking the question to make us think about it? Terrific essay!
ReplyDeleteYou, as usual, have a strong opening. It's relatable. You answer the prompt well. Your questions are intelligent and thought provoking. I'd advise you to be careful with them, though. You don't seem to elaborate or respond to your "who decides on these labels" question, and though interesting, it seems a bit off focus.
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