What is the distinction between good and evil? Who decided what would be evil and what is considered good? Everything is relative. The definition of evil varies from person to person, as does the definition of good. These definitions are directly linked to ones morals and values. The text book definition of evil is something morally wrong or bad; immoral; wicked. While the easily accepted definition of good is morally excellent; virtuous; righteous; pious. Both these definitions are fairly vague and could easily vary from person to person. People are not innately good or evil, when one is born they are neither. One could even argue the world is innately evil with some good sprinkled in the cracks. Every human is born with the power to create their own definitions of good and evil. Each person exists with a choice, whether to be good or evil. While society has a socially accepted definition of these two words, every individual has the ability to construct their own truths to these words. In the book The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain the main character Huck is torn between what he thinks is right and what society accepts as good. At one point in the book Huck says if helping Jim-an African American run-away slave-is evil and sinning he'd go to hell for it. Huck's morals were put to the test when he made this decision. What he thought was good was perceived as evil in his society. Like Huck, everyone has the liberty to choose their own distinction between good and evil. Before deciding one's destiny to be 'good' or 'evil' these words must be defined to oneself.
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I agree Sunita, that society has the ability to construct their own definitions of these two words. I think that Huck definitely chooses his own definition of what good and evil are by deciding to help Jim, and to himself, and to me, I think he made the good choice.
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly what I though about Hucklebelbery. Without realizing and just like you said, he picked good over evil which was the opposite of what society had taught him.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part of this is the last sentence about the words must be defined to oneself before deciding your destiny. I completely agree especially with your reference to Huckleberry choosing good over evil. This kind of reminds me of Star Wars with Darth Vader choosing to be good in the end... Sorry I'm a Sci Fi guy.
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