DEFINING OUR MORAL CODES
Overview:
Just as Nathaniel Hawthorne explores the strict moral codes of Puritan society in The Scarlet Letter, Arthur Miller
also seeks to highlight the hypocrisy of Puritan attitudes through his play The Crucible. In addition to pointing out
the moral flaws in Puritan society, Miller also points out the moral flaws of McCarthyism in the 1950’s. In Night
Elie Wiesel illustrates the sharp differences in moral codes of Jews and Nazis during the time of the Holocaust. Even
Mark Twain examined the relationship between moral codes and their effects on society through the characters he
developed in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Twain constructed a unique moral code for each individual
character based on that character's expectations of society and based on the way he/she is treated by society. The
authors of the short stories we have read also deal with moral codes, both positive and negative, of the characters
and communities which they created. All of these authors have commented on some aspect of society in an effort
to influence you into further examining your own moral code.
Activities:
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We will seek to define the moral codes of some of the characters in order to better understand what
someone’s moral code might encompass.
We will explore poetry and song lyrics to examine moral codes.
We will seek to define our own moral codes.
Each person will write for his or her portfolio a “This I Believe” essay (based off the National Public Radio
series of the same name). The typed essay of 500-800 words will focus on a moral code which you use as a
guiding principle in life. YOU WILL READ THESE OUT LOUD TO THE CLASS.
Along with your personal essay you will create a scrapbook or powerpoint presentation. Details below.
Each person will write a poem which not only utilizes poetic devices but also conveys an element of your
personal moral code. The theme: How can I/we make this world better? YOUR answer to that question will
determine what you should write about. YOU WILL DISPLAY THESE. Each class will vote for class
winners and overall winners who will receive extra credit points.
Personal Essay + Scrapbook or Powerpoint:
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Pick one principle you believe in and write a personal essay about what you believe and how you
came to develop this belief.
Pick 2 songs or 2 poems or 1 of each, 2 quotes, 10-12 pictures and/or other creative elements that
express your belief.
Create a scrapbook or powerpoint (or other media presentation).
Limit presentations to 10 minutes.
A – Exceeds and shows exceptional creativity and effort: All elements relate to your personal belief;2
songs and/or poems; 2 inspirational quotes; 10-12 pictures, memorabilia, or other representations, personal
essay within presentation format (large enough to read); copy of essay for portfolio
B – Meets requirements and shows creativity and effort
C – Contains personal essay but is missing some requirements or is lacking in creativity, effort, or
connection to belief
D – Contains personal essay but is missing most of requirements
U- Only has personal essay but no other elements of the project
0 – No personal essay
Definitions:
The difference between ethics and morals can seem somewhat arbitrary to many, but there is a basic, albeit subtle,
difference. Morals define personal character, while ethics stress a social system in which those morals are applied.
In other words, ethics point to standards or codes of behavior expected by the group to which the individual belongs.
This could be national ethics, social ethics, company ethics, professional ethics, or even family ethics. So while a
person’s moral code is usually unchanging, the ethics he or she practices can be other-dependent.
When considering the difference between ethics and morals, it may be helpful to consider a criminal defense lawyer.
Though the lawyer’s personal moral code likely finds murder immoral and reprehensible, ethics demand the accused
client be defended as vigorously as possible, even when the lawyer knows the party is guilty and that a freed
defendant would potentially lead to more crime. Legal ethics must override personal morals for the greater good of
upholding a justice system in which the accused are given a fair trial and the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a
reasonable doubt. (www.wisegeek.com)
Integrity is the steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code.
Mores (môr z) are the accepted traditional customs and usages of a particular social group; moral attitudes;
manners; ways.
Prin·ci·ple 1. A basic truth, law, or assumption: the principles of democracy.
2. a. A rule or standard, especially of good behavior: a man of principle.
b. The collectivity of moral or ethical standards or judgments: a decision based on principle rather than
expediency.
Defining Moral Code:
Each group of 2-3 will select one character from a novel and one from a short story. Develop a list of 3-5
statements that showcase what the character believes. These must be guiding principles or mores that are part of this
character’s moral code. Not all moral codes are positive.
The Scarlet Letter
Hester
Dimmesdale
Chillingworth
Puritan townspeople
Night
Elie Wiesel
Nazis
The Crucible
John and Elizabeth Proctor
Reverend Parris
Abigail Williams
The judges
Rebecca and Francis Nurse
Thomas and Ann Putnam
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Huck Finn
Tom Sawyer
Jim
King and Duke
Grangerfords and Shepherdsons
Short Story Unit
The Lottery
Old Man Warner and the townspeople in
The Lottery
Tessie Hutchinson
A Good Man Is Hard to Find
The Misfit
The Grandmother
An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge
Peyton Farquhar
Desiree’s Baby
Armand Aubigny
Desiree
Madame Valmonde
The Story of an Hour
Louise Mallard
A Rose for Emily
Emily Grierson
The townspeople in A Rose for Emily