Investigation of the merits of using theories of moral development as a framework for literary criticism

This investigation is aimed at assessing the merits of using three psychological theories of moral development as a framework for literary criticism of works of fiction. The theories of Lawrence Kohlberg, Carol Gilligan and her co-workers, and Tom Kitwood are used in analyzing Richard Wright's novel Native Son. This approach to literary criticism uncovers and reveals new moral dimensions of Wright's novel. In general, the three theories provide an understanding of how trust, empathy, mutual concern, candor, fairness and other qualities can be fostered. The theories make evident that, throughout history, opposite tendencies very often have been promoted. In this light, works of fiction can be evaluated by considering how insightfully they depict particular ways individuals or social institutions do good or harm.