Shame or Guilt?

Paper Summary:

Shame and guilt are two feelings that are most of the time misinterpreted to be similar. This paper begins by discussing how these feelings differ from each other. Guilt is a feeling that is caused by our conscience that is disturbed or bothered. Shame, however, may root from the causes of guilt but focuses on the negative effect it has on one's personality. The paper then looks at shame and guilt in Iliad of Homer and with heroes where it addresses the misconception that heroes do not feel shame and guilt.

Contents:
What is shame and guilt?
Shame and guilt in Iliad of Homer
The guilt and shame in heroes

From the Paper:

"Shame on the other hand may root from the causes of guilt. It is an emotion that may come along with guilt. However, unlike guilt, shame can have a greater effect to an individual as compared with guilt. Shame makes one feel embarrassed and humiliated which consequently lowers the morale of an individual in terms of social relationship with others. It is generally focused on the negative effect that shame effects to one's personality. Guilt, on the other hand is focused on the wrongfulness of the offenses that an individual committed. For example, when we feel guilty we always think of the actions that we committed, blame ourselves, and say things like "I should not have done that." Despite that we feel guilt, we can still socialize with others. In fact, guilt can be hidden from others. However, in shame, the offenses or actions that a person did can affect his personality and this can be apparent with the changes that a person demonstrates about mingling with others."

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