Christian Virtues
The work critiques the concept of Christian virtues, particularly focusing on the perceived loss of charity and the societal implications of this decline. The narrator expresses concern that as the poor become self-sufficient, the wealthy will lose their opportunity to practice generosity, which they equate with virtue. The text highlights a paradox where the rich derive pride and identity from their ability to give, while the poor possess their own set of virtues—meekness, endurance, and self-denial—that are overlooked. The narrator laments that without the poor's need, the rich will have no one to help, thus losing their sense of purpose and moral superiority. The work contrasts the virtues of the wealthy with those of the impoverished, suggesting that the latter's qualities are essential for enduring life's hardships. It questions the value of material wealth and suggests that true fulfillment lies in personal development and self-respect rather than in the act of giving. Ultimately, the piece critiques societal values that prioritize wealth and the superficial practice of virtue over genuine human connection and self-improvement. The tone is both satirical and reflective, urging a reevaluation of what constitutes true virtue in society.
By Charlotte Perkins Gilman · First published 1875 · Genre: Religion, Self-help, Non-fiction · 751 words
First lines
Oh, dear! The Christian virtues will disappear! Nowhere on land or sea Will be room for charity! Nowhere, in field or city, A person to help or pity! Better for them, no doubt, Not to need helping out Of their old miry ditch. But, alas for us, the rich! For we shall lose, you see, Our boasted charity! - Lose all the pride and joy Of giving the poor employ, And money, and food, and love (And making stock thereof! ). Our Christian virtues are gone, With nothing to practise on!
What this Textopian page supports
Christian Virtues is listed on Textopian as an essay by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, dated 1875 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Date: 1875 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religion, Self-help, Non-fiction, Inspirational
- Length: 751 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Christian Virtues by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Christian Virtues?
- How does this essay by Charlotte Perkins Gilman fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Religion first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Loftiness Of Humility by Charles Kingsley
- Humility by Charles Kingsley
- True Abstinence by Charles Kingsley
- The Charity Of God by Charles Kingsley
- Love Of God And Man by Charles Kingsley
- The Great Commandment by Charles Kingsley
Genres
- Religion — The title suggests discussions and themes revolving around Christian virtues, thus fitting the genre of religious literature.
- Self-help — If the book provides guidance and insights on how to develop Christian virtues, it could also be categorized as a self-help book.
- Non-fiction — The book, based on the title, offers real content about Christian virtues rather than presenting a fictional story, which places it under the non-fiction genre.
- Inspirational — The topic of virtues often intends to uplift or inspire readers to improve themselves, aligning with the themes often found in inspirational books.
Tags
virtue · Christianity · morality · ethics · faith · spirituality · gender roles · society · family · community · self-improvement · philosophy