Forgiveness, Christianity, and Class in Mary Barton

Rousseau?s paradox states ?so called progress in letters, in society,

indeed in civilization has only serves to pervert the innate goodness of man.?

Although this is more a testament to class than religion, there are still

spiritual undertones to it. The less that we have, be it wealth, intelligence

or opportunity, the better we are able to conduct ourselves as human beings,

meaning we will be more likely to help others in need because we will be

empathetic towards our fellow man. The religious tones to Rousseau?s

statement, if we follow Judeo-Christian train of thought, are that we were

created in God?s image, and God is good, so we should be as well. While Marx

claims that religion is the opiate of the masses, perhaps it is also a

necessity, so that we are able to forget our sufferings and remember what is

good and true in our lives. The novel Mary Barton is about this ?innate

goodness? of man. We may make mistakes, but we have the capacity, indeed the

responsibility, to forgive one another. Margaret wants to help Mary even though

she is unsure of Jem?s innocence; Carson finds his faith and ability to

forgive through his son?s murderer, and Barton c

evidence, inclines to the same belief (276). She later fights with Job about

habits die hard, but at least he realized what suffering really was.

forgive. She is at first upset that Mary did not let her in on her affair with

Christian life up to this point in the novel. She lied by omission to her

Margaret, pious throughout the entire novel is ultimately rewarded for her

Some topics in this essay:
Barton Carsons, John Barton, Jem Job, Mary Mary, Barton Rousseaus, Carson Jem, Mary Barton, Finally Mary, Dying Mary, Job Jem, jems innocence, john barton, harry carson, rewarded goodness, die hope, carson barton, ability forgive, 262 margaret, forgive trespasses, forgive trespass,