This classic novel explores morality through the agonizing struggles of Raskolnikov, a student who believes he can commit murder for a higher good. Dostoevsky masterfully portrays inner guilt and moral ambiguity.
The narrative takes readers through Raskolnikov’s attempts to evade guilt, rationalize crime, and ultimately confront his own moral compass.
Dorian Gray trades his soul to preserve eternal youth and beauty while his portrait bears the marks of his corruption. Wilde crafts sharp social observations and questions the superficiality of Victorian morality.
The novel asks if goodness and evil exist in actions or appearances themselves, provoking reflection on vanity, hedonism, and conscience.
Shelley’s timeless work confronts the ethical responsibility of creators toward their creations. Through Dr. Frankenstein’s ambitious experiment, the text questions what defines human morality.
It examines consequences of scientific ambition that neglect ethical boundaries, compassion, and humanity.
On an uninhabited island, a group of schoolboys descend into chaos after losing access to societal rules. Golding confronts readers with the question of innate human morality versus imposed social order.
Morality, stripped from society, faces severe trials among the characters’ decisions.
In this powerful tale, Dostoevsky explores the depths of human morality through the lives of the Karamazov family. Conflict over inheritance, faith, crime, and responsibility force characters into profound moral examinations.
Central to its philosophical discussions is the tension between moral free will and inherent impulses within individuals.
Set in the American South, Lee’s novel passionately addresses racism, justice, and moral courage. Through the eyes of Scout Finch, readers witness Atticus Finch’s quiet integrity and moral bravery in defending Tom Robinson, despite heavy personal costs.
Lee insists that true morality steadily confronts prejudice and injustice.
In this short but thought-provoking book, Meursault embodies moral indifference toward traditional ethical constructs. Through Meursault’s detached perspective, Camus raises questions about society’s moralistic interpretations of authenticity, guilt, and punishment.
Steinbeck’s grand family saga probes the struggle between good and evil within ordinary individuals. Through the biblical allegory of Cain and Abel, the characters constantly face moral challenges surrounding familial duty, love, jealousy, and forgiveness.
Hawthorne crafts a thoughtful exploration of morality, sin, and guilt. Hester Prynne, marked publicly for her adultery, navigates a harsh Puritan society defined by strict moral codes.
The novel portrays tension between public morality, private redemption, and authentic personal truth.
Burgess introduces Alex, a character whose free will and morality face manipulation through disturbing psychological conditioning. Themes of morality, choice, punishment, and violence confront readers, demanding a reflection on ethical authority and individual freedom.
This subtle yet heartbreaking novel questions morality by revealing a dark societal practice accepted as normal.
As the truth of the characters’ existence slowly unfolds, readers confront moral dilemmas about humanity, the value of life, and society’s willingness to ignore cruelty.
Set in a bleak post-apocalyptic landscape, this book follows a father and son’s journey through a world stripped of traditional morality. Their struggle to retain humanity and goodness challenges the reader to consider morality’s dependence upon a functioning and stable society.
In this contemporary novel, Schlink examines moral responsibility, guilt, and complicity through the relationship between Michael and Hanna, a woman later accused of war crimes. The narrative provokes discussions of how society judges morality under extreme circumstances.
Coetzee portrays morality within post-apartheid South Africa through the experiences of disgraced professor David Lurie. As consequences and violence emerge, readers face troubling ethical ambiguities about power, accountability, and redemption.
Hosseini’s moving novel explores guilt, betrayal, and moral redemption in war-torn Afghanistan. Through Amir’s personal journey, the narrative poignantly illustrates how past moral failings haunt individuals and shape their path toward finding forgiveness and peace.