Jane Austen´s Representation of Morality and Conduct in "Mansfield Park" and "Persuasion"

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Morality and Faith
• Morality and Conduct
• Morality and Public
• Morality and Love
• Morality and Family
• Conclusion
• Austen's Morality and Conduct in School

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This master thesis explores Jane Austen's portrayal of morality and conduct in her novels *Mansfield Park* (1814) and *Persuasion* (1818). It aims to analyze how these novels reflect the concepts of morality and conduct during the English Regency period and Victorian times. The thesis examines the inner and outer values of the characters, particularly the heroines Fanny Price and Anne Elliot, who are initially presented as not strong and independent, but develop into such individuals. By studying their actions and the expectations surrounding them, the thesis provides insights into the prevailing views on women's nature and social conduct during this period.

• Moral development of female characters
• Social expectations and norms surrounding conduct
• The influence of social class on morality and behavior
• The role of love and family in shaping moral values
• Contrasting perspectives on morality and conduct

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: This chapter establishes the context for the thesis by exploring contrasting views on women's nature and conduct in the 18th and 19th centuries. It introduces Jane Austen's two novels as case studies for examining morality and conduct during the English Regency and Victorian periods.
• Morality and Faith: This chapter delves into the concept of morality as it relates to religious beliefs and practices. It examines how faith influences the characters' moral compass and guides their actions.
• Morality and Conduct: This chapter explores the relationship between inner morality and outward behavior. It examines how social expectations and norms shape the characters' conduct and the consequences of deviating from these norms.
• Morality and Public: This chapter investigates the role of social standing and public opinion in shaping moral values. It examines how the characters navigate social expectations and maintain their reputation within their respective communities.
• Morality and Love: This chapter focuses on the influence of love on morality and conduct. It explores how romantic relationships, both successful and unsuccessful, impact the characters' moral choices and personal growth.
• Morality and Family: This chapter examines the role of family in shaping and influencing moral values. It analyzes how family dynamics, social class, and inheritance affect the characters' moral compass and their interactions with others.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This thesis focuses on morality, conduct, Jane Austen, *Mansfield Park*, *Persuasion*, English Regency, Victorian Era, female characters, social expectations, social class, love, family, and religious beliefs.