OVERVIEW

What is good? 

What is evil?

Where does one draw the line between the two?

 

Greed, often perceived as 'the way of the world' in the Way of the World, is a trait that human nature frequently succumbs to, leading to corruption. In this play, the issue of inheritance was a significant catalyst for this corruption. Deceit, betrayal, and even infidelity are manifestations of this human frailty, and they warp the moral compass of each character in the play. Everyone is driven by their own agenda, focused solely on their personal interest. 

 

The opposite is depicted in The Pilgrim's Progress. Christian, who is burdened by his own moral struggles, tries to get out of the mire he is stuck in. He accepts the decline of his morality but thinks about what lies for him in eternity. The fear of supernatural punishment drives him to overcome all obstacles. All the human frailties and foibles (a character is even named as such) test his unwavering faith.

 

Although presented in two contradictory scenarios, both demonstrate acts humans never fail to succumb to: SINS. Christian, who is so deep in his faith, tries to extricate himself from those sins which burden him. On the contrary, there are no moral principles at all in the characters in The Way of the World. There are no ethical manners depicted, and as Fainall put it, "Tis the way of the world."

 

As early as the story in the first book of the Bible, Genesis, Eve already chose bad over good when she ate the apple. Centuries later, it is still the same old story. Religion and FAITH can make a difference, but it is not guaranteed. People are just human, after all, with all their foibles and frailties.

 

In this module, we try to present our understanding of the two literatures we have chosen.