Erewhon · Question
How does Erewhon develop the theme of Inversion of Morality?
Answer
Erewhon by Samuel Butler develops Inversion of Morality across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The Erewhonians treat physical illness as a crime punishable by law, while moral failings like theft or fraud are treated as illnesses requiring medical care, satirizing Victorian society's arbitrary moral codes.
Erewhonian society treats illness as a crime and crime as a misfortune, inverting conventional moral judgments.
The Erewhonians treat possession of a watch as a crime, inverting the European moral framework where such objects are valued.
Illness is treated as a crime, while moral failings like embezzlement are seen as recoverable ailments.
Evidence in the book
- Erewhon
Erewhonian society treats illness as a crime and crime as a misfortune, inverting conventional moral judgments.
- VII: First Impressions
The Erewhonians treat possession of a watch as a crime, inverting the European moral framework where such objects are valued.
- VIII: In Prison
Illness is treated as a crime, while moral failings like embezzlement are seen as recoverable ailments.
- To the Metropolis
Embezzlement is socially acceptable while poverty is criminalized, highlighting the topsy-turvy moral code of Erewhon.
- Current Opinions
Erewhon inverts Victorian morality: crime is treated as illness requiring medical treatment, while physical illness is hidden and stigmatized.
- XI: Some Erewhonian Trials
Erewhonian law punishes misfortune and illness as crimes, while rewarding luck and health, reversing conventional moral judgments.
- XII: Malcontents
Erewhon punishes illness as a crime, inverting conventional moral judgments about health and disease.
- XIII: The Views of the Erewhonians Concerning Death
Erewhonians invert conventional moral attitudes: death is less abhorrent than disease, childbirth is treated as a shameful illness, and statues are destroyed after fifty years.
