Ethical Dilemmas In Mother Night

The novel Mother Night was a popular novel of its time and still affecting its reader in present day. The film of this novel followed the text exceptionally well representing comedic scene and romance accurately. In the film main character Howard Campbell Jr. was faced with some ethical dilemmas and tough choices that would determine the path of his life. I determined four actions in the story that were significant in steering Howard Campbell Jr. life. Listed as follows: the choice to stay in Germany while his parents left to America, becoming an American Spy, Returning to Israel for trial, and finally committing suicide. In this essay I will determine which action were justified or unjustified, using the beliefs of philosophers Simone De Beauvoir and Josiah Royce.
During the initial scenes in the film the Nazi Party was combining its
War Department. Frank made it clear that if anything goes terribly wrong the United States would not come to Campbell’s defense. Campbell still chose to help the United States this decision to become a spy remains ethically justifiable based on Beauvoir definition of condemned violence. Beauvoir argues that condemned violence is the engaging in war against those who curtail freedom of others (discussions, slides). The Nazi party was taking the freedom of all others through murderess violence. Campbell saw an opportunity to affect the outcome of Hitler’s ruling and act against him by spying on Nazi activity. Royce definition of loyalty also justifies Campbell’s decision. Royce argues loyalty is a choice, a choice for a worthy causes and the choice must be chosen without fear (discussions, slides). Campbell is taking it upon himself to ally with the Nazi party, and move up the ranks to spy on their operations. Justifiable choice because he remains fearless, furthermore the abilities and influence Campbell possessed remained optimal for this