Compare how comprehensively similar or different ethical (moral) questions are explored in the treatment of the same theme or issue, in at least two texts on your comparative course. Develop your response with reference to your chosen texts. (2023)
Feedback: there seems to just be one main point in this essay. It is superbly made, but you really need more. There are no comparisons of key moments, where a lot of marks would have been gained. It’s also easier to achieve more comparisons if you keep comparing the two texts in each paragraph rather than having long stretches discussing just one text. This would score around H4. You may also like: Guide to All Comparative Texts for Leaving Cert.
Ethical dilemmas are frequently explored in literature as authors delve into complex human experiences and interactions. In the examination of isolation as a theme, both Emma Donoghue’s “Room” and Brian Friel’s “Philadelphia, Here I Come!” present compelling narratives that probe into the moral dimensions of human behavior. This essay aims to compare how comprehensively similar or different ethical questions are explored in the treatment of the theme of isolation in these two texts. (I would take this sentence out, redundant.) While “Room” examines the ethical implications of confinement and its impact on individuals, “Philadelphia, Here I Come!” delves into the moral complexities of emotional isolation and the consequences of interpersonal detachment. Through the analysis of these texts, this essay will elucidate how each author navigates ethical dilemmas within the context of isolation, offering distinct perspectives on morality and human behaviour. (Arguably redundant).
In “Room,” Emma Donoghue constructs a harrowing tale centred on the captivity of a young boy named Jack and his mother, Ma, who have been confined to a small room for years. (Retelling the story, big no-no. Combine this with the point made in the next sentence and you’re analysing rather than retelling). The theme of isolation permeates the narrative, raising profound ethical questions about the consequences of captivity on human development and morality. (This has already been stated in the introduction, so we need a bit more substance now.) Through Jack’s innocent perspective, Donoghue explores the moral ambiguity surrounding Ma’s decisions to protect him from the harsh realities of their confinement, including her intimate relationship with their captor, Old Nick. The ethical dilemma arises as Ma grapples with the necessity of maintaining Jack’s innocence while also confronting the truth about their situation. (Big Clarity of purpose marks earned here!)
Donoghue’s portrayal of Ma’s moral struggles underscores the complexities of maternal love and the lengths to which individuals may go to ensure the survival of their loved ones. Despite the ethical implications of her actions, Ma’s unwavering dedication to Jack’s well-being epitomises the inherent moral compass that guides human behaviour even in the most dire circumstances. Furthermore, “Room” challenges readers to confront their own ethical beliefs and judgments as they witness the profound impact of isolation on human relationships and moral decision-making.
On the other hand, Brian Friel’s “Philadelphia, Here I Come!” explores the theme of isolation through the lens of emotional estrangement and the fragmentation of personal identity. (Too much like the introduction, we need a clearer point here.) Set in a small Irish town, the play follows the protagonist, Gar O’Donnell, as he grapples with the impending departure for America, which symbolises his desire to escape the confines of his provincial life. Friel delves into the ethical dimensions of Gar’s decision to leave behind his family and friends, shedding light on the moral consequences of pursuing personal fulfilment at the expense of interpersonal relationships.
Gar’s internal conflict mirrors the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals torn between individual autonomy and social obligation. (Remove, redundant). As he contemplates his departure, Gar confronts the ethical implications of abandoning his father, who struggles to connect with his son emotionally. Friel underscores the moral complexity of Gar’s decision, highlighting the tension between personal aspirations and familial responsibilities. Through Gar’s interactions with his alter ego, Private Gar, Friel emphasises the internal struggle between self-preservation and communal belonging, ultimately questioning the ethical integrity of pursuing individual happiness at the cost of familial ties.
Despite their distinct settings and narrative structures, both “Room” and “Philadelphia, Here I Come!” offer poignant reflections on the ethical dimensions of isolation. While Donoghue explores the moral complexities of physical confinement and maternal sacrifice, Friel delves into the ethical implications of emotional detachment and personal autonomy. Through the examination of these texts, readers are prompted to reconsider their own ethical beliefs and values, as they confront the universal truths embedded within the human experience.
In conclusion, the thematic exploration of isolation in “Room” and “Philadelphia, Here I Come!” illuminates the multifaceted nature of ethical dilemmas and moral decision-making. Through the portrayal of confinement and emotional estrangement, Emma Donoghue and Brian Friel offer nuanced perspectives on the ethical implications of isolation, challenging readers to confront their own beliefs and judgments. While each text presents distinct ethical questions, both underscore the inherent complexities of human behaviour and the universal pursuit of moral integrity in the face of adversity. Thus, the comparative analysis of these texts serves to deepen our understanding of the ethical dimensions of isolation and the profound impact it has on individual agency and interpersonal relationships.