A Case Study on Mr. Darcy's Moral Development using Kohlberg's Theory

This case study examines Mr. Darcy's moral development, focusing on his character traits and behaviors as portrayed in Pride and Prejudice, using Kohlberg's stages of moral development as a framework. The analysis begins with an overview of Mr. Darcy's personality, highlighting his pride and sense of duty. It then applies Kohlberg's theory, exploring how Mr. Darcy's actions align with each stage, including obedience and punishment orientation, instrumental orientation, good boy and nice girl orientation, law and order orientation, social-contract orientation, and universal-ethical orientation. The study explores how Mr. Darcy's adherence to societal rules, his sense of responsibility, and his eventual embrace of ethical principles reflect his moral growth. The conclusion provides a comprehensive summary of how the character's moral development can be understood through Kohlberg's theory, supported by the provided references.

Running head: KOHLBERG’S MORAL DEVELOPMENT AND FITZWILLIAM
DARCY
KOHLBERG’S MORAL DEVELOPMENT AND FITZWILLIAM DARCY
Name of the University:
Name of the Student:
Author Note:

1KOHLBERG’S MORAL DEVELOPMENT AND FITZWILLIAM DARCY
Mr. Darcy and Kohlberg’s Analysis:
Mr. Darcy was a very wealthy gentleman, and to him the most important thing was his
pride and he held his duties dearly, and was very egoistic in all of his endeavors. He was an
intelligent and honest person, however, it was his pride that made him come across as a rude,
obnoxious person, and often it made him to look down upon those who are at a socially inferior
place.
Therefore, considering the model of moral development of Kohlberg, the following
character analysis of Mr. Darcy is presented.
Obedience and Punishment Orientation:
The character enunciates a deep belief in this factor. He believes that he is entitled to
carry out all the duties with utter responsibility, and this was his form of showing obedience. At
the same time going through emotional pain, is his form of punishing himself (Lichterfeld. Pg.
87-96).
Instrumental Orientation:
Mr. Darcy also has an instrumental orientation, as he was oriented towards the socially
made rules, for example, Women should behave in a particular way (Opreanu. Pg. 87-96).
Good Boy and Nice Girl Orientation:
He was much oriented by this, as he used to think that carrying out all the duties refer to
being a good boy, and a good girl is the one who has no pride or ego (Opreanu. Pg. 87-96).
Law and Order Orientation:

2KOHLBERG’S MORAL DEVELOPMENT AND FITZWILLIAM DARCY
The instrumental orientation determines that Mr. Darcy was much oriented by the legal
structure and also, his approach towards Lydia’s marriage, also determine the fact (Opreanu. Pg.
87-96).
Social- Contract Orientation:
The character was much governed and made up by the social righteousness and values.
His pride also determines the same (Lichterfeld. Pg. 87-96).
Universal- Ethical Orientation:
According to the theory this particular aspect refers to the aspects of ethics which are
accepted and cherished universally, and the honesty and dutifulness that the character of Mr.
Darcy shows, falls correctly under this aspect (Lichterfeld. Pg. 87-96).

3KOHLBERG’S MORAL DEVELOPMENT AND FITZWILLIAM DARCY
References:
Lichterfeld, I. (2015). Mr Darcy’s Shirt–An Icon of Popular Culture. Pride and Prejudice 2.0.
Interpretations, Adaptations and Tranformations of Jane Austen's Classic, 189-206.
Opreanu, Lucia. "BEYOND THE SHADES OF PEMBERLEY: PURSUING MR. DARCY
AMONG RECENT REINCARNATIONS AND UPGRADES." University of Bucharest
Review. Literary and Cultural Studies Series 7.2 (2017): 87-96.