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
Through all the blunders Evelina still comes out virtuous by the end of the novel. Mr. Villars still delighted with Evelina writes, "Every wish of my soul is now fulfilled - for the felicity of my Evelina is equal to her worthiness!" (Burney 553). Evelina's virtue much like Philadelphia's roots from how she reacts to situations. As we drift into the Romantic era we encounter yet another female character used to portray virtue. Much like Evelina and "The "Unfortunate Happy Lady" Mary Shelley uses a female character to portray virtue. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Eventually her excitement catches up with her and receives a crash course in adolescence. While attending a ball Evelina finds herself in an unfamiliar situation, while dancing with one fellow she refuses the hand of another, an apparent no-no at this particular assembly, "I have only danced at school, - and so giddy and heedless I was, that I was not once considered the impropriety of refusing one partner, and afterwards accepting another" (Burney 126). Through this Evelina uncovers the harshness of society's rules and expectations, but all in all remains virtuous and grows from her experiences. Behn's strongest portrayal of virtue is used through Sir William's younger dear sister Philadelphia. The introduction of Philadelphia is again established with a basis of virtue, "...his Sister Philadelphia, a young Lady of excellent Beauty, Education, Virtue..."(Behn 1). Philadelphia would indeed seem just as virtuous during the time of the other two texts, Evelina written by Burney during the eighteenth century and Frankenstein by Shelley written during the Romantic era, as she is during Restoration. Behn, Aphra. "The Unfortunate Happy Lady: A True History." Evelina's true virtue is never more revealed than during the most humorous part of the novel. As a senseless act of humor Madame Duval, a rather cranky woman, has been kidnapped and tossed around by Captain Mirvan, who detested Madame Duval. Evelina, other than servants, is the only other person accompanying Madame Duval. As Evelina runs to console Madame Duval Evelina explains, "she hit me with a violent slap on the face! I retreated from her with precipitation and dread a
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1528
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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