Moral instruction

Definition

Moral instruction refers to the teaching of ethical principles and values aimed at guiding individuals towards virtuous behavior and moral decision-making. This concept is prevalent in literature, especially in the medieval period, where narratives often conveyed lessons about morality, ethics, and human behavior through allegorical tales, rhetorical devices, and the portrayal of religious figures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Moral instruction in medieval literature often employed allegory to present complex moral lessons through simple narratives.
2. Rhetoric played a crucial role in conveying moral instruction, as writers used persuasive language to engage readers and encourage ethical reflection.
3. In works like The Canterbury Tales, characters often serve as exemplars or anti-exemplars, highlighting virtues and vices through their actions and choices.
4. The use of religious figures in literature served to reinforce moral teachings, providing relatable examples of virtue and sin for readers.
5. Moral instruction not only aimed to educate individuals but also sought to promote social cohesion by establishing shared ethical standards.

Review Questions

• How does the use of allegory in medieval literature enhance the delivery of moral instruction?
  • Allegory in medieval literature enriches moral instruction by allowing authors to represent abstract concepts through concrete characters and events. This technique engages readers on multiple levels, encouraging them to reflect on their own moral choices as they interpret the deeper meanings behind the narrative. By presenting ethical dilemmas within allegorical frameworks, authors effectively communicate complex moral lessons in an accessible manner.
• In what ways do exempla serve as tools for moral instruction in medieval writing?
  • Exempla function as powerful tools for moral instruction by providing concrete examples that illustrate specific virtues or vices. These short stories are often embedded within larger narratives and serve to reinforce the overarching moral themes presented by the author. By using relatable characters and situations, exempla not only educate readers about ethical behavior but also inspire them to emulate virtuous actions while avoiding immoral choices.
• Evaluate the impact of representations of religious figures on the moral instruction found in The Canterbury Tales.
  • Representations of religious figures in The Canterbury Tales significantly shape the moral instruction presented throughout the work. Characters like the Parson embody ideal Christian virtues, serving as models of ethical behavior for readers. In contrast, figures like the Pardoner illustrate the dangers of hypocrisy and greed within religious contexts. By juxtaposing virtuous and corrupt religious characters, Chaucer effectively critiques societal norms while providing valuable moral insights, prompting readers to reflect on their own beliefs and behaviors.

Related terms

Allegory:

A literary device where characters and events symbolize broader moral or political meanings, often used to convey moral lessons.

Exemplum: A short, illustrative story or anecdote used in medieval writing to exemplify a moral lesson or ethical principle.

Didactic Literature: A genre of literature designed to instruct or educate the reader on moral or ethical issues.