In "A Clockwork Orange," Anthony Burgess explores the uncomfortable nature of goodness, suggesting that adhering to moral standards may not always be pleasant. The idea presented is that being good can be burdensome, leading to a conflict within oneself. The protagonist questions the nature of choosing between good and evil, reflecting on the implications of free will versus moral obligation.

Burgess posits that a person who consciously chooses to do evil may possess a certain freedom that individuals bound to perform good actions lack. This creates a paradox where the imposed goodness can become a source of inner turmoil, indicating that the struggle between right and wrong is a complex one, filled with contradictions and moral dilemmas.