Final answer:
The Virginian and Balaam present different moral stances in Owen Wister's 'The Virginian', reflecting their personal freedoms and abilities. Their contrast alludes to the broader cultural differences between the American West and Eastern perceptions during that era. The characters' depiction contributes to understanding the novel's exploration of ethics and leadership.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characters of the Virginian and Balaam from Owens Wister's novel, 'The Virginian', showcase distinct yet comparable characteristics. Both figures navigate through moral and ethical dilemmas, reflecting on their personal definitions of freedom. The Virginian is primarily portrayed as a character with a strong moral compass and a clear understanding of his abilities as a sovereign of his own code of ethics. In contrast, Balaam is often seen as lacking the same depth of moral integrity. On the aspect of ability, there might be different views depending on their decisions and actions throughout the narrative.
The comparison can lead to a discussion on how these characters perceive freedom and law, and how their attitudes reflect the larger narrative about the American West and its juxtaposition with Eastern perceptions during that era. When pondering how these two narratives compare, one should consider the historical and cultural context that might account for their differences, such as the Western perception of Eastern khanates at the time.
Through these depictions, the reader can gain insights into the moral values and societal views held by Western Europeans, and how those views colored their perception of the East, especially places of power like the khanates. The conversation between sovereigns, generals, and their respective virtues, intersects with the reader's understanding of leadership and governance within differing cultural scopes.