# Religion and Morality in The Moonstone

> Theme guide for The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins.

Contrasting religious perspectives appear through the Hindu priests' devotion, Miss Clack's fanatical Christian tracts, and the moral hypocrisy of characters like Godfrey Ablewhite, questioning the true nature of piety and righteousness.

## Where it surfaces

- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moonstone_se/chapters/ii): The story is steeped in Hindu religious symbolism, with the moon god, the Brahmins, and the divine command to guard the gem, contrasting with the sacrilege committed by Muslim conquerors.
- [First Narrative](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moonstone_se/chapters/first-narrative): Miss Clack's narrative is steeped in religious self-righteousness, highlighting the theme of moral judgment and piety.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moonstone_se/chapters/i): Miss Clack's devout Christianity, her use of tracts, and her moralizing tone contrast with the worldly actions of others, emphasizing religious hypocrisy and piety.
- [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moonstone_se/chapters/iii): Miss Clack's self-righteousness and her attempts to convert Lady Verinder through books and tracts emphasize religious themes.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moonstone_se/chapters/iv): Miss Clack's relentless efforts to impose her religious views on her aunt, despite medical advice, highlight the tension between piety and practical care.
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moonstone_se/chapters/vi): Miss Clack's insistence on including religious extracts and her self-righteous tone highlight the theme of religious zeal and moral judgment.
- [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moonstone_se/chapters/vii): Miss Clack's zealous attempts to impose her religious views on Rachel and the household, contrasting with Rachel's emotional and sentimental approach to grief.
- [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moonstone_se/chapters/viii): Miss Clack's relentless religious proselytizing contrasts with Rachel's secular resistance, highlighting conflicting moral frameworks.
- [Seventh Narrative](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moonstone_se/chapters/seventh-narrative): Jennings's final moments include prayer, a blessing for Franklin Blake, and a peaceful death marked by the word 'Peace,' suggesting a moral and spiritual resolution.
- [Eighth Narrative](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moonstone_se/chapters/eighth-narrative): Betteredge's reverence for Robinson Crusoe as a moral and prophetic text underscores the Victorian blend of religious sentiment and literary devotion.
- [III: The Statement of Mr. Murthwaite (1850)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moonstone_se/chapters/iii-the-statement-of-mr-murthwaite-1850): The ceremony is a Hindu religious ritual dedicated to the Moon god, highlighting the sacred significance of the Moonstone.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moonstone_se/themes/religion_and_morality
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_moonstone_se/themes