Virtue and Value: Female Sexuality and currency in Cleland’s Fanny Hill.

‘Virtue’ and ‘value’ have prehistorically been understood in the terms that as the former increases, as does the latter. Virtue, associated with conduct and chastity, parallels to value, which connotes to worth, currency and wealth. This currency referred to serves as any sort of material with which trade can be negotiated, a desired product. Ideal virtue therefore, is not limited to the bounds of sex, but also serves as a means of currency.