Virtues

A detailed Summary of Virtues

From a broad perspective an agreement between multiple parties can be compromised on the definition of virtue. However, when approached on the topic of virtue from a personal perspective, the definition can be altered to suit one's own life experiences. This can be exemplified through the perspectives of three ladies, Aprha Behn, Frances Burney, and Mary Shelley. In each of their works the topic of virtue is indirectly expressed through various situations and characters, all unique to each other.

The boundaries for which virtue is illustrated through these texts is creatively shown in different spectrums. Behn depicts virtue as innocence, purity and having a charitable nature. In "The Unfortunate Happy Lady," Behn immediately begins setting her boundaries for virtue within the first two sentences. She reveals this through her introduction of Sir William Wilding, "I shall conceal the unhappy Gentleman's own under the borrow'd Names of Sir William Wilding, who succeeded his Father Sir Edward, in an Estate of near 4000l. a Year, inheriting all that belong'd to him, except his Virtues" (Behn.1). From this it is fair to conclude that Behn deems virtue as something that can not be bought nor

From the beginning Burney introduces Evelina as virtuous through the words of Mr. Villars, who acts as the parent figure during her adolescence. He is writing to Lady Howard who eventually ask for the companionship of Evelina for her granddaughter in London, "I need not speak to your Ladyship of the virtues of that excellent young creature" (Burney 103). Immediately the word virtue is introduced, setting the tone for Evelina.

The "Unfortunate Happy Lady," exhibits virtue as something that can not be bought, inherited, or acquired like material things. Behn allows her audience to seek their own definition of virtue, using Philadelphia as a model. Her virtue is not based on her sex, origin, or place in society. Her virtue is based on how she responds to situations.

Her virtue is timeless, but never more respected and appreciated than that of her own time. The respect she receives through the other characters in the text reveals this fact. For instance, her mentor or sorts, Lady Fairlaw is so intrigued by Philadelphia's virtue that upon dying she told her husband, "that she had observ'd he had a particular Esteem or Kindness for Philadelphia; which was now a great Satisfaction to her; since she assur'd, that if he marry'd her, she would prove an excellent Nurse to him, and prolong his Life by some Years" (Behn 11). Giving Counsellor Fairlaw the blessing of marrying Philadelphia discloses the fact that Lady Fairlaw confidently believes Philadelphia is innocent and pure.

Victor Frankenstein is actually the main character of the novel. However, many would agree that he is by no means a man of virtue, others may disagree. Elizabeth, his cousin and wife, exemplifies all possible definitions of virtuous. She is most definitely Frankenstein's virtue as he so many times eludes in the text, "While I admired her understanding and fancy, I loved to tend to her, as I should on a favourite animal; and I saw so much grace both of person and mind united to so little pretension" (Shelley 66).

When Caroline, Frankenstein's mother and Elizabeth's aunt dies, Elizabeth was there to help ease the pain as Frankenstein informs here, "She consoled me, amused her uncle, instructed my brothers; and I never beheld her so enchanting as at this time, when she was continually endeavouring to contribute to the happiness of others, entirely forgetful of herself" (Shell

Some common words found in the essay are:
Evelina Burney, Duval Evelina, Happy Lady, Caroline Frankenstein's, Frankenstein Reading, Victor Frankenstein, Mary Shelley, Counsellor Fairlaw, Timeless Characteristic, Lady Fairlaw, happy lady, unfortunate happy lady, unfortunate happy, madame duval, romantic era, duval evelina, virtue based, virtue timeless, virtue evelina, main character, madame duval evelina, america broadview literary, portray virtue, north america broadview, main character novel,

Approximate Word count = 1603
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Novels