Literature: Moral and Justice - Essay Example

The point that deserves attention here is the fact that the society is highly male dominated in nature where woman enjoys no freedom of expression For Effi’s expression of dislike that “Look, mom, there is something that bothers me and scares. He is so kind and good…but…I am afraid of him”, however, there comes the typical 19th century answer from her mother that “He is certainly older than you which is all in all a blessing to a man of character, of good manners and position, and if you do not say no…you will far surpass your mom”.

Admittedly, here, the novel shows how terrible the situation of females was in the 19th century Europe. So, according to the modern notions of justice, one finds the first injustice e in forcing Effi to marry Instetten whom she does not like. However, as the story progresses, one sees Effi falling prey to the great enchanter Major Crampas’ affection. Soon, there is full fledge d adultery. Here, admittedly, according to even the present day social norms, adultery is immoral. However, the question arises if it can be considered so when a woman is forced into a marriage she does not like.

If a man has the right to marry a woman despite her dislike, the woman should have the right to select the man whom she likes. When the heroine here is denied that chance, she falls prey to another man’s charm that was too affectionate to deny. Here one cannot deny the fact that the woman had been in total isolation and desperation. However, the most surprising fat of justice arises here. After adulterly, Effi loses her life entirely as she is dejected by all; her husband, daughter and even her parents.

However, Major Crampas is not dejected, though unfortunately, he is getting killed in the duel. Here, no one looks into the factors that made her commit adultery but all are eager to blame her for the mistake. In addition, only she bears the brunt of her adultery and the man who shared the sin is not there to share the social oppression and isolation. On the other hand, he is celebrated like a great adventurer and given the name ‘a womanizer’ and it does not have a feminine gender in the society.

The last point of consideration is the fact that her husband Instetten, despite her adultery, says “I am so much under the spell of her charm … inclined to forgive.” However, he is unable to do so as it will make him lose his position in society. Similar is the case of Effi’s parents. Despite their understanding of their role in the tragedy met by Effi, her parents are not ready to question the society or to accept her back. Here, the concept of morality and justice are rather complicated and difficult to define.

All characters appear puppets in the hands of social norms and fate. The Trial by Kafka (2006) is a work that shows how distant and complicated justice is, at times. In this case, Josef K is getting arrested for a crime he is not aware of. He only knows that he is arrested. And the rest of his life, he is struggling his best to understand what felony he has committed, but in vain. In the story too, the man is getting executed for a crime that he is still unaware. In the story, Josef K is unable to identify the judge or to meet the judge.

In addition, one can see an effort from Kafka to show that the justice system is often under the control of those who are themselves corrupt and have nothing to do with morality or justice. For example, when Josef K.