When questioning as to what’s truly good or evil, there is no black or white. Since then, society has been questioning the true meaning of good and evil. Specific examples of this can especially be seen in “False Gems” by Guy de Maupassant, “The Guest” by Albert Camus, and “Morals of the Prince” by Niccolò Machiavelli. The authors question the actions as to if they are good or evil made by the characters. Using literary techniques such as characterization, irony, and hyperboles, the authors demonstrate how characters use reasoning to justify their good or evil choices.
First, “The Guest” by Albert Camus, Camus uses existentialism to add complexity to the characterization of Daru. Because Daru struggles between his morals and society’s morals, he is an existentialist character. This can especially be seen when Daru is presented with the Arab. Daru was ordered by Balducci to deliver the Arab to Tinguit. In the text, it states, “That’s the trail across the plateau. In a day’s walk from here, you’ll find pasturelands and the first nomads,” (Camus 74). He is an existential character and believes in free will choices. As a result, Daru’s ultimate decision was to go with his morals and lead the prisoner in the opposite direction. However, the Arab is set on his imprisonment and heads toward Tinguit. This leaves Daru with existential moral despair. Daru used his existentialist reasoning to influence his choices.
Then, “False Gems” by Guy de Maupassant, Maupassant uses irony to show Lantin’s wife’s true nature. Lantin’s wife would always bring back mysterious jewels after coming from her favorite place, the Theater. Eventually, after poverty-stricken, he goes to a jewelry store to inspect the value of the gems. The author states, “Sir, that necklace is worth from twelve to fifteen thousand francs,” (Maupassant 486). It is revealed that indeed the gemstones she acquires are in fact, real and very valuable. Dramatic irony is used because we, the readers were aware that the gems are real. He debates as to whether or not he should sell the jewels, but with reason, he ultimately sells the jewels once he finds out about her affairs.
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Lastly, in the “Morals of the Prince” by Niccolò Machiavelli, Machiavelli uses hyperboles to justify his actions with reasoning. In the text, it states, “Besides, a prince will never lack for legitimate excuses to explain away his breaches of faith,”. Machiavelli shows that traditional morals are not sufficient to rule. He says that “backward” morals help people get into and stay in power. Machiavelli’s views on doing the right things show that he believes good people do not get far in life. Substantially, the authors use reason within their stories within the characters to create reasoning within the theme of good or evil. In the end, there is no definite answer as to what defines good and evil. Everyone has their interpretations of good and evil.
