The Decline of the concept of Female Virtue in the English Novel: A Literary and Moral Critique from the 17th Century to the Post-CEDAW Era

This study investigates the literary and moral transformation of the concept of female virtue in the English novel from the 17th century to the post-CEDAW era. It traces the evolution from early portrayals of chastity, modesty, and religious obedience—as in Pamela, Shamela, Jane Eyre, and Tess of the D’Urbervilles—to modern and contemporary depictions that emphasize autonomy, emotional honesty, and sexual liberation, as seen in Lady Chatterley’s Lover, Fear of Flying, Conversations with Friends, and The Girl on the Train. The research employs a descriptive-analytical method, integrating moral criticism, feminist literary theory, cultural criticism, and selective Islamic ethical perspectives to examine how historical, ideological, feminist, and global influences—particularly the adoption of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)—have reshaped female moral representation. While acknowledging the advances in women’s empowerment, the study critiques the erosion of virtue as a cornerstone of character and societal integrity, noting that contemporary literature often normalizes moral ambiguity at the expense of ethical coherence. The paper proposes a moral and educational roadmap for restoring a balanced vision of virtue that harmonizes freedom with responsibility, through curriculum reform, ethical media representation, and cross-cultural dialogue. It concludes that literary criticism should bridge liberation and moral responsibility, ensuring that evolving gender narratives continue to uphold values that promote dignity, justice, and cultural cohesion.