For Goodness’ Sake: The self-conscious drama of morality in contemporary fiction
Lauren Oyler explores evolving ideas of what it means to be a “good person,” particularly within contemporary literature and social media culture. She argues that modern goodness is defined less by spiritual or religious ideals and more by social awareness, political correctness, and public accountability. Oyler suggests that in today’s social-media-driven literary culture, readers have become the moral arbiters, scrutinizing both art and artist. This shift has led to novels that blend ethical self-examination with narrative experimentation. Oyler critiques this climate, noting that the pressure to appear good often results in performance rather than sincerity, and that the obsession with moral goodness can be stifling for writers.