An example of moral duty in works of art is one of the most common themes in works. As a rule, most of the works of classics in one way or another raise moral issues. Highly moral or, on the contrary, immoral behavior of heroes is very often the engines of the plot, especially in Russian classical literature.
Masha Troekurova
An example of moral duty in domestic literature can best be traced to the example of Pushkin's novels and novels. Masha Troekurova, becoming the wife of Prince Vyazemsky, refuses to flee with Dubrovsky, although she realizes that she will spend her whole life with an unloved person. The hardness of the heroine, her inexorableness at a critical moment arouse the respect of the author and readers. Despite the dramatic ending of the novel, the whole work leaves a bright feeling precisely thanks to the image of Masha Troekurova.
Tatyana Larina
Examples of moral duty from literature can be continued by considering another work of Pushkin - a novel in the poems "Eugene Onegin." His main character continues the line of Masha Troekurova.
It should be noted right away that this image is more carefully spelled out: the girl has a solid, solid character that helps her overcome a difficult test.
Having married Prince Gremin, Tatyana remains faithful to him: although she is not in love with her husband, she deeply respects and appreciates him, therefore she rejects Onegin's love confessions, despite the fact that she still has passionate feelings for him. From this point of view, Tatyana is much higher than the main character of the novel. In her act, she is an example of moral duty, which gives the work a deep moral significance.
The moral feat of the heroes of the "Captain's Daughter"
The most expressive example of the moral duty of the characters of Pushkin’s work can be seen on the example of the above story. Pyotr Grinev, following his father’s covenant, protects his noble honor and, even under the threat of execution, refuses to recognize the impostor as a legitimate sovereign. He remains faithful to the oath and does not forget for a moment that he is a nobleman who has sworn allegiance to the empress.
This position is respected even by the robber Pugachev, who is struck by the firmness of this young man, his steadfastness and not only saves the hero’s life, but also helps to rescue the captain’s daughter from trouble. Under arrest, Pyotr Grinev does not lose his dignity and faith in truth, and hope does not deceive him: in the end, justice triumphs, and Catherine II signs a decree of release.
Masha Mironova also shows an example of moral duty, remaining faithful to Peter Grinev and achieving his justification. Her act is all the more significant since almost no one believed in his innocence: even his own father refused to believe it. That is why Pushkin made the girl the main character of his story, naming his work in her honor.
Dmitry Nekhlyudov and his attitude to Kate Maslova
Examples of fulfilling moral duty are shown in the works of L. N. Tolstoy, who attached particular importance to the moral development of his characters. The most striking example is the Sunday novel, whose protagonist, feeling guilty about a girl whose life turned out to be broken because of him, is trying her best to help her. The author describes his experiences in detail, especially focusing on the humanistic values that the hero adheres to, despite his somewhat frivolous character.
The moral value of the heroes of military literature
Examples of moral duty from life, films, and literature are best seen in works devoted to the Great Patriotic War, since their stories are based on real events, and the actions of the characters are determined by the values that guided Soviet society at the time. The peculiarity of the description of people's moral exploits is the amazing truthfulness of the narrative, since authors who were themselves participants in the war wrote about these difficult trials.
The best example in this case is the work “The Young Guard”, since it tells of young men and women who independently took up underground work. It was their conscious choice, because they understood their moral duty to their homeland. Perhaps this is why Fadeev’s novel is one of the most popular books about the war.
Jane Eyre
Examples of moral duty from life and literature can be continued with a review of the famous novel by S. Bronte, which is largely autobiographical. In it, the writer described her difficult fate, which is probably why the work is very believable.
The main character in her difficult fate is guided exclusively by moral principles, which is what causes the respect of others, including Mr. Rochester, a wealthy aristocrat who is ready to break the moral barrier to please his feelings (even sincere).
But the girl was too cherished by those values that she had learned during the years of difficult trials, and therefore, despite the deep and strong affection for her master, she leaves him when the terrible truth is revealed that he is already married. The solid and decisive character of the heroine is also respected by the other main character of the novel - her cousin St. John. Being himself firm and decisive by nature, he is forced to reckon with Jane's values.
Films on the responsibility and integrity of the heroes
Examples of moral duty from films can be given a lot. This theme was especially vividly embodied in the old cinema, when directors often raised questions about moral values, showed the complex psychological struggle of heroes who, for example, had to make difficult choices in difficult life situations. It is noteworthy that this topic was presented to the viewer not only as a drama, but often in the form of a melodrama or even a lyrical comedy.
Of the foreign films in this series, it should first of all be noted the painting “Roman Vacations”. The main character of the film in a wonderful performance, O. Hepburn, sacrifices her personal happiness for the fulfillment of her duty to the country, realizing that the princess should be guided, first of all, by state, political, and not her own interests.
From the domestic cinema, perhaps, you can name the comedy film "The Big Change." The main character of the picture - a simple teacher Nestor Petrovich - is guided solely by his moral and ethical beliefs that the teacher should take care of his wards, patiently and diligently helps students in various life situations.
At first, his behavior makes others laugh, but later they penetrate deep respect for him for his kindness and care. Of course, the teacher’s efforts about his already adult students are not a great feat, however, as one hero of another famous Soviet film said: “There is something heroic in this.”
As can be seen from the foregoing, the theme of the fulfillment of moral duty is one of the leading both in domestic and in foreign art.