Moll Flanders

Literary Review An appropriate explanation of Locke’s theories on natural law and the state of nature are given to the summary of three ideas. Self-preservation, leaving enough for others, and not attaining more than needed are given as the concepts of Moll’s personal acceptance to larceny. Moll’s theft of a necklace from a child is warranted under Locke’s concept. In her reflection of the theft, Moll optimistically moralizes her actions under natural law. Moll’s uses natural law theories throughout the novel to alleviate internal condemnation of her social misconduct (Zhang). Defoe creatively modifies Moll’s moral, spiritual, and sexual thoughts, that would normally govern human behavior, into mercenary values. McMaster goes on to view Defoe as being detached from Moll; judging her and the social class that she represents. Defoe’s overall theme for Moll Flanders is that of mercenary values being placed above all others (McMaster). The narrator’s layout of Moll’s perspective to the reader of the story is based on the experiences of her life. She has repented; however, the effect of her wicked sins are still apparent. out of fear, not out of belief. Moll’s repentance is a christian style device for controlling her fear of punishment for her crimes (Zimmerman). A very detailed breakdown of seven main themes of John Locke‘s theories are discussed in this article. Most importantly reviewed are the Law of Nature, State of Nature, and Property (Tuckness). In this article, Daniel Defoe’s novel, Moll Flanders, is analyzed in accordance with 18thcentury marriage law and natural law (Ganz).
Analysis
Morals have been more than just a topic of debate throughout the world; they have defined entire cultures and the subcultures within them. Unexamined interpretations of right and wrong provide groundwork to societal judgment and persecution. Legal murders are committed in wars over right/wrong controversy. Society forms laws, religions, and caste systems around these

Cited: I’m unsure if the red citation is correct. Richards, James O. "The Proper Basis for Society: John Locke (1632-1704) ." History 1122 Outline. Gordon College, 11 Jan. 2010. Web. 23 Nov. 2010. Defoe, Daniel. Moll Flanders. Ed. Albert J. Rivero. New York: W.W. NORTON & COMPANY, INC., 2004. Print. Zhang, John Z. "Defoe 's Moll Flanders." Explicator 47.3 (1989): 13. MasterFILE Premier. EBSCO. Web. 22 Oct. 2010. Ganz, Melissa J. "Moll Flanders and English Marriage Law." Eighteenth-Century Fiction 17.2 (2005): 158. Web Novak, Maximillian E. "Defoe and the Nature of Man." (1963): 100-104. Questia. Web. 19 Nov. 2010 McMaster, Juliet. “The Equation of Love and Money in Moll Flanders.” Studies in the Novel (1970): 131-44. Rpt. In Moll Flanders. By Daniel Defoe. 1st ed. New York: Norton & Company, 2004. 337-348. Print. Zimmerman, Everett. “Moll Flanders: Parodies of Respectability.” Defoe and the Novel (1975): 75-106. Rpt. In Moll Flanders. By Daniel Defoe. 1st ed. New York: Norton & Company, 2004. 349-369. Print.