Ethics in Linda pastan's "Ethics"
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Ethics in Linda pastan's "Ethics"
In her piece of writing, "Ethics", a theme that is as deep as a person's conscience is portrayed whereby
Pastan tries to demystify the question of ethics and the dilemmas that surround ethical issues. In this
regard, with the use of concrete figurative language, elements of symbolism, and the mood of
contemplation, Pastan is making the reader think about the essence of ethics and the hidden
consequences of the actions made.
Pastan's "Ethics" opens with a classroom scene where a teacher presents the students with a moral
dilemma: This is between the rock and a hard place decisions such as which one is more important – to
rescue a great painting from a fire or an old woman? This particular setting creates the background for
the poem and makes the readers engage in their ethical sense by asking them to choose between life
and culture (Smith, 2017). As such, the poem's main idea is the conflict between the abstract values as
depicted by the Protestants and actual existence of human life. This classroom exercise is peculiar to
Pastan, who employs it to raise the awareness of the lack of ethical Poptions and the ambiguity of ethical
choices.
It is the imagery used that is most profound in “Ethics. ” By painting a picture of the classroom, the
chalky lines on the blackboard, and the windows green with summer, Pastan brings the poem down to
earth and brings to mind how time has changed. It is easy to consider the 'chalky lines' as a metaphor
forfor easily drawn, quickly faded lines that are the ethical lessons of great human novels. Likewise,
'Windows Green with summer' also point to a lively and growing environment different from the ethical
issue introduced by the teacher.
Symbolism plays a crucial role in enhancing the poem's meaning. The painting and the older woman
represent two different but equally valuable aspects of life: the values of the culture and people's lives
(Smith, 2017). In painting, clothes depict the quality of human civilization, achievements and beauty,
and the older woman symbolizes a value of life. In constructing these two symbols, Pastan shows how
even what we would consider black and white, good/bad decisions are not necessarily that cut and dry,
and how truly adding up all the pros and cons of each aspect of life is nearly impossible.
The layout of "Ethics" can be described as relatively straightforward; however, it is suitable and
productive. The poem has 12 lines; it has an informal style, thus mimicking the woman's dialogue in her
mind as she remembers the conversation held in the classroom. Sustaining the narration in the past
tense with brief jumps into the present, Pastan successfully demonstrates how the question raised in her
childhood has remained critical to her today (Smith, 2017). Ethical considerations are also portrayed in
the poem's structure, where there is no strict rhyme or a definite metrical pattern.
Even the choice of words Pastan used added to the impact of the poem that he has written. Her choice
of words is simple and does not contain any poetic language, which corresponds to the setting of the
classroom and the essence of the question asked. This work has a very pensive and rather philosophical
mood, as the subject of the poem Muse, the female narrator, reviews her past and the present
viewpoints revealing the difference between the outlook of a young girl and a wise woman. Such words
as 'now', 'woman and painting and season are almost one' stress the notion of integration of various
aspects of human's life and the inapplicability of ethic criteria.
There is a reflection of an organized set of occurrences in the work “Ethics;” thus, the poem has a rather
pensive tone. Thus, through Pastan’s reflective narrations that present a certain distance from the
situation, readers, as well, can reflect on the ethical decision-making process and consider the change of
the meaning of the word ‘ethics’. This serenity gives one a license to think more profoundly concerning
the ethical issues that one is likely to encounter in life. The introspective nature of the poem is further
supplemented by the speaker’s self-reflection. Even with her assured and strengthened conviction, Mary
Kent can only confess that if given the question today, she will stick with the choice to save the woman
over the painting. This admission proves her maturity and ethical reasoning evolution (Smith, 2017).
This shift of view, one can still claim, supports the opinion that ethical involvement is not a single
attainment but rather evolves with the subject’s experience and growth. It is therefore possible to
conclude that the poem acts as a mirror for readers, as a representational encouragement for people to
engage in reflection regarding the established ethic systems and the reasons as to why such systems
have been developed.
In conclusion, Linda Pastan's "Ethics" is a profound exploration of moral choice and the complexity of
ethical dilemmas. By using a number of dynamic images, allusions and ruminative view of life, Pastan
makes the readers take a closer look at the notion of ethics and the dilemma of choosing the right path.
Thus, the poem means that in any material we face ethical concerns, which are not always clear and
obvious, and our moral perception and understanding change as we evolve.
Reference
Smith, R. T. (2017). Linda Pastan: Ethics – Shenandoah. Retrieved January 19, 2022, from
Shenandoah website: https://shenandoahliterary.org/blog/2011/09/linda-pastan-ethics/
