Literature of moral conflict: Examining the work of Nathanael West from ethical perspectives

Normative ethics has long been a staple of philosophical theory, but proves equally valuable when applied to literary studies. This dissertation argues that normative ethics is a necessary tool to discern moral meaning in novels. Normative ethics surveys what grounds judgments of right and wrong. This survey is useful in studying moral conflict and the ethical nature of characters' actions in literature. Twentieth-century American author Nathanael West offers an epigrammatic portrayal of moral conflict in his novels. This dissertation will apply ethical criticism to his work, examining how moral conflicts arise, how they can be deliberated upon, and what characters' actions imply within and beyond the text.;The ethical theories Utilitarianism, Consequentialism, Deontology, Moral Relativism and Ethical Egoism will be applied to Nathanael West's narratives. Utilitarianism promotes aggregate good by maximizing happiness and reducing suffering to the greatest amount of people. Consequentialism promotes aggregate good, but through the principle of best outcome (which may or may not prioritize happiness). Deontology is the Kantian premise that categorical rules act as universal imperatives of right and wrong action. Moral Relativism challenges categorical notions of right and wrong, proposing that right and wrong is contingent upon cultural interpretations, inner judgments or agreements. The concluding chapter will discuss Ethical Egoism briefly to encourage further ethical inquiry beyond the dissertation. Ethical Egoism promotes an individual's well-being beyond that of others'.;These normative theories will correspond to: The Dream Life of Balso Snell (1931), Miss Lonelyhearts (1933), A Cool Million (1934), and The Day of the Locust (1939). Each novel conveys moral conflict in similar and dissimilar ways. The Dream Life of Balso Snell appraises sexual desire in conflict with norms of sexuality. Miss Lonelyhearts embodies the conflict between duties to self and duties to others. A Cool Million questions the degree to which best (economic) outcome ought to be a supreme value. The Day of the Locust ponders the extent that agents can act morally. Through an examination of Nathanael West's work, one concludes that ethical criticism is a vital tool to apprehend the moral implications of characters' actions, and what readers' judgments import.