Moral dilemma essay Essay

A moral dilemma entails a choice mingled with two highly conflicting values, where the decision made whitethorn result in guilt and remorse. As responders we are able to assess our own values in regards to the characters actions. These characteristics are present in the texts Montana 1948 by Larry Watson 1993, The Returning by Daniel De Paola 1964 and Clint Eastwoods Million whiz dollar bill Baby 2004. I personally have been influenced to assess my own values towards family ties, justice and the balance between indemnify and wrong.When faced with a moral dilemma, evasion and denial often result in greater consequences. In Montana 1948 the sheriff Wes has conflicting values of family loyalty and justice leading to an immense moral dilemma whether to convict his own brother even though this may have an adverse effect on familial ties. Wes instead resorts to denial of the situation.This denial is highlighted shortly after Franks exploitation of Indian women was brought to light b y Gail. Wes attempts to ref commit Maries accusations. For gods sake, you know how she (Marie) likes to make up stories. Despite knowing his brothers capability to commit such actions his aggressive tone shows his resistance to Gails argument, instinctively protecting his value of family over the law and similarly his loyalty to Marie. After coming to terms with the facts of Franks perversity Wes attempts to solve the problem, although half heartedly, by confronting Frank. I return the problems been taken care of. Frank said hell cut it out, In this context the colloquial vocabulary cut it out, referring to the molestation and raping of women, undermining the situation, reducing its severity and allowing Wes to not only justify his own avoidance unless to pacify Gail. The relevant consequence to his lack of action is Franks murder of Marie the following day, in an attempt to dispose of evidence against him, a much graver fate than if Wes had convicted Frank initially. defence m echanism of a moral dilemma is also manifest in the film Million Dollar Baby. The mental picture in which Maggie asks Frankie to end her life, Frankie is faced with an unfathomable decision that contradicts his love for her as a daughter save also his faith in God. Repetition of I cant demonstrates Frankies affliction towards the situation. The diegetic operose of Maggiesbreathing paired with a close up shot addresses Maggies constant wretched supporting her reason to beg Frankie for the favour. Frankie chose to avoid maggies request until she attempts to take the problem into her own hands. The use of dark lighting in the final hospital scene, emits an eerie feeling to symbolise Frankies frighten off and pressing task. He realises he must end her suffering.These texts demonstrate that doing what is morally correct may be difficult. Nonetheless I have learnt that the outcome of ignoring an issue may become an even bigger burden. If presented with a moral dilemma, I would work t o solve the problem as quickly as possible but also to take the while to do it correctly. The perception different individuals hold for one another influences the set about taken in a moral dilemma, highlighting values of family, race and social status. In watsons novel Wes is aware of the racial division, upon autochthonous American Indians of the time. This prejudice plays a large role in the encompassment of Marie. The prejudice of the native indian women is evident in Julians comparison of native american women to red meat The derogatory metaphor red meat conveys his perception of the native American Indian females as lowly animals, merely alive for amusement value.However Wes has a moral dilemma between the prejudice and his personal beliefs. This is demonstrated in the scene prior to Marie falling ill. David describes Wes as He simply held them (Indians) in low regardhe could treat indians with generosity and respect (as he could treat every other human being) The use of t he pronoun them is intended to inflict primitiveness and inferiority on American indians by stereotyping them, meanwhile the words generosity and respect holding positive connotations, show Wes broader perspective. The conflict between his personal and family values pose a moral dilemma. Wes valuable perception of all individuals lives, override the views held by his brother and father, compelling him to seek justice.In Daniel De Paolas short story The Returning we are presented with an central conflict between the whites and the natives. Although not spoken between one another, each character has been influenced by monastic order to hold certain views. Negative connotations from disconsolate cat expressed in At anothertime and place, he wouldnt have wanted to linger in a room alone with a white woman. Contrasting with But here and now there was only friendliness between them. Conveys Dark cats prejudice towards whites. Meanwhile, high modality present in never felt shows that Da rk cat may be turning a new leaf with the whites. This example demonstrates that moral dilemmas can make one rethink their bias.As discussed each character has conflicting predetermined values and beliefs that directly affect their decision. I have come to a conclusion that although mentally testing, the way in which I would handle a difficult situation would be to try to be aware and disregard irrational prejudices.Through my paper of moral dilemmas, in particular in the texts Montana 1948, The Returning and Million Dollar Baby I have come to question values such as family, justice and the balance between what is right or wrong. I would act immediately to resolve the dilemma and overcome any prejudice that conflicts with my decision.