In "The Valley of Amazement" by Amy Tan, a pivotal discussion revolves around the concepts of morals and conscience. Morals are described as societal rules imposed by others, which often dictate behavior and decisions. This perspective highlights the idea that morals can be restrictive and may not necessarily align with an individual’s true beliefs or values.
In contrast, a conscience is portrayed as an intrinsic guide that empowers individuals to exercise their own judgment in distinguishing right from wrong. This passage emphasizes the importance of personal freedom and the ability to think independently, suggesting that while external morals exist, one always retains the capacity to make self-informed choices about their behavior and ethics.