Virtues Essay Research Paper Virtue A Timeless

Virtues Essay, Research Paper

Virtue: A Timeless Characteristic

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 inherited.

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, and 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.

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.

As the story ends Philadelphia s virtue is rewarded with wealth, honor and power when Counsellor Fairlaw dies. It is soon after revealed that her brother is struggling, having incurred debts during their time apart. Philadalphia pays off his debts despite his selfishness exhibited throughout the text. His response to her charity: “O matchless Goodness of a virtuous Sister! Here are the Mortgages of the best Part of my Estate! O! what a Villain! what a Monster I have been!” (Behn 14).

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.

Unlike respect, gracefulness, and other elite characteristics, virtue is timeless and its definition does not change from era to era as seen in the novel Evelina by Frances Burney.

Initially, Frances Burney s perception of virtue seems quite different from that of Behn s in “The Unfortunate Happy Lady,” but by the end of the story their appreciation for the term is very similar. The original perception of virtue is based on several incidents that happen early on with the novel s main character Evelina.

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.

Burney deals with the issue of society s outlook on virtue. Through the eyes of Evelina we can see what lots of teenage girls deal with in regards to finding their true selves. Which in Evelina s case is virtue. Evelina writes frequently to Mr. Villars about what she is experiencing in London. New to the lifestyle she is being introduced to, her letters exuberate how excited she is, “This moment arrived. Just going to Drury-Lane theatre. The celebrated Mr. Garrick performs Ranger. I am quite in extacy” (Burney 116).

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 gro