What Literature Says about Good Character

Studying literature and history has clarified some of the issues that each person deals with daily.  One relevant issue that each person deals with today is the importance of good character, as a lot of people in society try to form their lives to make sensible decisions.  George Washington once said, “I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all title[s], the character of an honest man.”  One of the most revered men of his time and to generations ensuing, Washington led the colonists through the Revolutionary War and served as America’s first president.  However, he felt that maintaining good character was not an easy task.  There are many ways to characterize a good character, but ultimately, the qualities of a good person include moral standards and discernment.

Throughout history and literature, there have been many interpretations of moral standards.  Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin captures a picture of upright moral standards.  Despite his separation from Aunt Chloe, Uncle Tom maintained his faith and confidence that God would provide for him in all circumstances.  He had a higher goal in mind; though he realized his current state as a slave, he chose to focus on his life’s calling of persevering in life and maintaining obedience and humility to those around him.  His words and actions reflected many of these principles as he willingly submitted to his masters and treated them with utmost respect.  Together with his strong faith in God’s provision to his daily needs, Uncle Tom lived each day with confidence.  Indeed, good character within develops from upholding moral standards and maintaining one’s faith.  Without such qualities, Uncle Tom would not be the beloved character that we admire due to his unwavering respect to all in his life.

Good character is shown through discernment in decisions.  Count Leo Tolstoy’s novella The Death of Ivan llych demonstrates how a lack of discernment results in disaster.  Ivan’s decision to marry Praskovya Fëdorovna is justified by the statement, “Really, why shouldn’t I marry?”  This act of illogical reasoning and conformity demonstrates his failure to discern what was right for his life.  He reaped the consequences of his actions, as he realized that she cared very little about him, even when he was dying.  In the same way, good character is exemplified through careful decisions.  Ivan paid dearly for his choices to conform to society rather than to carefully exercise discernment on his decisions.

Good character is manifested by upholding moral standards and using discernment.  As in Uncle Tom’s attitude towards life, he looked to a higher goal of obeying God in all circumstances; through this, he was able to treat others with respect and demonstrate admirable character.  Good character also requires careful thinking and understanding before settling on conclusions.  In light of these attributes, good character is important because trust is built upon character.  Moral standards and discernment are key factors in determining good character.