Merriam Webster defines morals as "of or relating to principles of right and wrong behavior." But what is right and what is wrong in a society that has been flipped upside down? In the book it seems that many things are the same as in our society. People still get married, have children and raise families. They love each other and many people in the communities would do anything to help their neighbors. If something is stolen it is very unlikely that anyone would suspect another community member. Inside the walls it seems that they share many of our values.
However, when Lauren gets outside the walls she knows that nothing is the same. People lie, steal and kill. It seems that as soon as there are no longer rules or authorities who heavily enforce them people do whatever they wish. This raises the age old question about human nature. When I was reading this I couldn't help comparing it to Lord of the Flies. When no one is around to enforce rules people go crazy and do whatever they want. Do they realize that it isn't right? Are we born preprogrammed to know right from wrong or is it something we learn from our parents. And if it is something we learn from our parents is something still wrong if no one has told you it is?
Do the people addicted to pyro realize that it is wrong to burn down houses? Butler makes the reader question whether or not they could have burned them down so the street poor could take the community's things. If so, is it right to displace others just for the good of the poor? Which is the greater of the two evils? Butler also raises the question whether or not it is ethically okay to kill someone who is endangering yourself or others. Lauren understands that it is wrong to kill. However, she states that she intends to stay alive even if that means killing others who would harm herself or her friends from home. If it is right for her to kill people endangering her, is it also right for her to kill a man to put him out of his misery?
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