The Question of Morality

The Question of Morality

Morality can often be a touchy subject.  It can have many definitions depending on how people view it.  Having “proper” morals is instilled in various religions and families but it is disconcerting to see that less and less people seem to carry high expectations for good morals.  Often an up-bringing can interfere or serve to shape the development of a person’s morals.  In the novel Wuthering Heights, the character of Heathcliff seems to have no real sense of morality.  He is pretty terrible to others and doesn’t care to treat people with genuine respect.  His childhood might have been influential in developing his lack of morals.  He was a gypsy “a wandering spirit” that was treated poorly by those who came in contact with him.  Later in his life he was rejected by the one person that he loved most which may have contributed to his vengeful actions towards other people.  Have you ever heard the phrase “treat others how you want to be treated?”  Since Heathcliff was not treated well, he took out his anger and inner heartbreak on those around him.  He has a lack of accountability for his life and actions and even ends up despising his own son.  This lack of morals tore down his life and reinforced the bad/evil persona that was carried with his “gypsy” origin. 

            In today’s society morals are needed to keep the world sane.  They present a level of respect among individuals and allow bonds and relationships to be formed.  Without a basic standard of morals people would not know what to expect from others or how to trust.  Many religions depend on the idea of morality.  For example, many branches of Christianity rely on people performing good deeds.  These deeds determine how well a person does in life or how well off they are after death.  Many different cultures have a different understanding of the concept of morals as well.  Some Muslim countries still carry the law of “an eye for an eye.”  In their society this practice is seen as just and fair. They believe that this is an ethical standard to solve problems.  In the end morality is an issue developed from person to person, based on background and up-bringing.  It is an issue that will continue to be questioned for many years to come.