Petersen 1

Faith Petersen
Mr. Hackney
English 101: Rhetoric
13 November 2014
Uprising of Ethics
Individuals today are becoming less like themselves and more representative of a an ideal
modeled by society. Their minds are programmed to suppress their values in hopes of preserving
their reputations. Overcoming this uniform way of thinking can be difficult and rattles the
balance of socioeconomic power. John Cheevers short story The Death of Justina emphasizes
the conflicts between characters as they debate rules against morals.
When Moses gets the call about a death in his family, he tries to leave work early.
However, his boss isnt too fond of this proposal. He forces Moses to write a commercial
instead. Moses realizes that if he speaks the truth it will be [his] wife and [his] children who
will pay, so he refrains (Cheever 544). Understanding his place in society, he knows the
consequences and doesnt want to bring misfortune upon his family. Moses categorizes this
disrespectful nature as the way [hes] always been treated (Cheever 543). He is unhappy with
his status and even states, I am forced to pretend...I am forced to appear grateful (Cheever
544). He recognizes his distaste with this way of life, but is afraid to change anything. His bosss
significant role in his income motivates him to suppress his urges to fight back.
Dominance is asserted over Moses due to his rank in society. According to authority
figures, Justinas death does not mean anything if it comes at the cost of breaking zoning rules.
He is told nothing can be done unless he abides by the standards of the town. The doctors
refusal to respect and honor the death of dear old Justina by asking Moses to drive her to a

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different location, where her death would be more disclosable, causes him to see corruption in
the town (Cheever 543). Marxist theory suggests a false consciousness, whose real purpose is to
promote the interests of those in power encourages the representatives to act a certain way
(Tyson 58). Moses argues with the doctor about his actions being unjust, but is unheard because
of his lack of importance. He realizes that people care more about how theyre perceived than
about things that should matter more. Although this shouldnt be the case, Moses fears that
death is not the threat that scandal is (Cheever 543).
Refusing to follow through with the doctors requests, Moses speaks with the mayor.
Despite Moses request, the mayor believes that making an exception for him would destroy the
neighborhood and all the human and commercial values [theyve] worked so hard to protect
(Cheever 548). He tells Moses, [he] must realize that this is the world [he] lives in (Cheever
548). The reputation of the town as a whole has a greater significance than the happiness of its
citizens. Upset with this idea, Moses expresses himself by pursuing a goal that involves a risk
most people wouldnt readily undertake. He fights against the rules to meet his moral standards
at the cost of his reputation. This sort of rugged individualism gives off the illusion that decisions
are made without significant ideological influences (Tyson 60). Since the mayor knows this kind
of behavior cant be exposed because it would undermine his authority, he allows Justinas death
to be truthful. However, he makes Moses promise to keep it a secret (Cheever 549).
Moses dreams about a crowded supermarket in which the shoppers were required to
purchase an unidentified item. Despite this ambiguity, each person inspects these mysterious
containers as if the choices they made were critical (Cheever 550). After pondering their
decisions, they proceeded to the checkout where men of superior ranking opened the packages.
In every case the customer, at the sight of what he had chosen, showed all the symptoms of the

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deepest guilt (Cheever 550). They were ashamed of their desires because society doesnt
approve of them and were embarrassed because of their differences. The men proceeded to
shame the shoppers by shoving or kicking them towards the door. Even though, people observe
this behavior, they choose to jeopardize their own thoughts. They would rather be reviled and
ruled over than risk acceptance. A fear is instilled in these mindless conformists because people
of a higher class with more power intimidate the average.
A desire to be accepted continues to plague the minds of many. Moses breaks through
this principle by challenging the ethics of Justinas death in breaking zoning ordinances. To
honor her passing and prove his worth, Moses stands against the elite. John Cheevers story
depicts the corruption of the mindless behavior of always following the rules.

Works Cited

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Cheever, John. The Death of Justina. The Oxford Book of American Short Stories. Ed. Joyce
Carol Oates. New York: Oxford UP, 1992. 541-51. Print.
Tyson, Lois. Critical Theory Today. New York: Garland, 1999. Print.