Final answer:
Ishmael characterizes the Takers' response as defying the laws of nature, akin to hurting a parent or breaking a sacred trust. Virtue and propriety are suggested as better catalysts for internalizing a sense of shame and fostering goodness. The theme of law and authority is historically reflected in literature and artifacts like those from Gil-Dong's and Hammurabi's time.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Chapter 8 of Ishmael's story, the Takers are characterized as those who defy the laws of nature that Ishmael and the narrator discuss. The Takers' worldview is seen as equivalent to hurting the laws, as if they were harming their parents or nurturers.
This anthropomorphism underscores the violation of a sacred trust. Furthermore, by defying these laws, the Takers are, in effect, breaking their agreement to obey these fundamental principles which ought to guide human conduct.
In discussing responses to people's behavior, a claim is made that if people are led by laws and punishments, they lack a sense of shame and will not inherently become good.
It posits that virtue and the rules of propriety are better guides for behavior, which would cultivate an internal sense of shame and foster genuine goodness.
Throughout various world literature and legal texts, such as those from the times of Gil-Dong and Hammurabi, the struggle with unjust laws and the basis for authority and morality have been enduring themes.
The reference to divine laws and the accompanying authority granted by a deity, as in the case of Hammurabi receiving the scepter and ring from Shamash, indicates a historical connection between law, morality, and divine sanctioning.