The Woodstock Literature Society welcomed back Helen Stanton for a rather more scripted discussion than the impromptu lecture she so kindly presented for us in 2010. Helen Stanton is writer in residence at Stratford-upon-Avon, a theologian, lecturer, and writer. The subject of this month's WLS lecture was the theme of 'dishevelled virtue' in Iris Murdoch's novels, and Helen delighted and informed with her lecture at a packed Woodstock Library.

Helen explored Iris Murdoch's philosophy of virtue in a consideration of several of her novels as well as her plays and philosophical works. Having described Iris Murdoch's presentation of virtue in some of her most dishevelled characters, Helen emphasized the author's focus on the difference between being 'nice' and being 'good', and the way in which often the most unlikely characters in the novels are seen as possessing the virtue of 'goodness'.  There followed a lively discussion prompted by questions from the audience, crowded as we were around the book shelves of the library, in which Helen proved her expert and in-depth knowledge of the works of the author. Thanks to Helen on behalf of WLS for a very informative and entertaining evening.