The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the book "The Golden Compass" by Phillip Pullman. Specifically it will discuss Lyra and her actions in the novel. Pullman's novel creates an alternative fantasy world where Lyra attempts to save her friend and learn the secret of the Dust her father guards so closely. Pullman creates a world that is critical of organized religion, and yet celebrates Lyra as a new Eve. Lyra acts against authority, and yet seems to act out of some sense of morality. Her morality is a strong element of her personality, and it indicates she is adventurous, unafraid, and yet always attempting to make the right and moral choices throughout her adventures.
             Early in the book, Lyra gives a clue to her morality. She has a conscience, and she knows the difference between right and wrong in her own mind, so she will try to make the right choices and follow her own conscience to create her own morality. Pullman writes, "'But now I've seen what the Master did, I haven't got any choice. You're supposed to know about conscience aren't you? How can I just go and sit in the library or somewhere and twiddle my thumbs, knowing what's going to happen?'" (Pullman, 1997, p. 8). Lyra's sense of morality may not work for everyone, but it leads her toward her adventures, and more than that, it helps her develop into a wise, coherent leader when the time is right.
             Lyra's sense of morality underlies her personality, and it guides her throughout her quest in the novel. For example, when she goes to live with Mrs. Coulter, she is pampered and spoiled, and quickly becomes used to her new life. However, inside, she is wary of Mrs. Coulter after a while, and somehow senses all is not right with her new benefactor. She thinks, "She had been feeling confined and cramped by this polite life, however luxurious it was" (Pullman, 1997, p. 75). In her heart, she knows she is not meant to live this life, and s...