Moral instruction

Definition

Moral instruction refers to the teaching of ethical principles and values through literature, encouraging readers to reflect on their behavior and the consequences of their actions. This concept is central to various literary forms, as it helps shape societal norms and personal morals, often presenting characters facing moral dilemmas that illustrate broader ethical lessons.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The emergence of periodical essays highlighted moral instruction by presenting readers with reflections on daily life and ethical considerations, making morality a central theme.
2. During the Augustan Age, writers utilized moral instruction to critique society and promote values like reason, moderation, and civic responsibility.
3. George Lillo's 'The London Merchant' served as a key example of bourgeois tragedy, illustrating moral instruction by showing the downfall of a character due to vice and poor choices.
4. Moral instruction often employed relatable characters and situations to engage readers, making the lessons more impactful and relevant.
5. Literature of this period frequently mirrored societal values, using moral instruction to not only entertain but also guide readers toward ethical behavior.

Review Questions

• How did the periodical essay format contribute to the effectiveness of moral instruction during its emergence?
  • The periodical essay format allowed for concise, accessible discussions of moral issues that directly addressed contemporary readers' lives. These essays often presented ethical dilemmas in relatable contexts, making moral instruction feel immediate and relevant. By providing a regular platform for authors to share reflections on morality, this format fostered an ongoing dialogue about ethical behavior in society.
• In what ways did literature during the Augustan Age reflect societal values through moral instruction?
  • Literature from the Augustan Age prominently featured moral instruction as it mirrored the Enlightenment ideals of reason and rationality. Authors used their works to critique social norms, highlighting virtues such as moderation, responsibility, and respect for authority. By embedding these values within engaging narratives, writers aimed to inspire readers to reflect on their own actions and contribute positively to society.
• Evaluate how George Lillo's 'The London Merchant' serves as a case study for moral instruction in bourgeois tragedy.
  • George Lillo's 'The London Merchant' exemplifies moral instruction through its portrayal of a protagonist whose downfall stems from moral weakness and poor choices. The play highlights the consequences of vice in a way that resonates with the middle-class audience of the time, promoting ethical reflection among viewers. By focusing on relatable characters and their struggles, Lillo effectively conveys lessons about virtue, responsibility, and the societal impacts of individual decisions.

Related terms

Didactic Literature: A genre of literature intended to instruct or educate, often embedding moral lessons within narratives.

Sentimentalism: A literary movement that emphasizes emotion and feeling, often aiming to evoke empathy and moral reflection from readers.

Moral Philosophy: The study of what is right and wrong in human conduct, influencing literature by providing frameworks for ethical dilemmas faced by characters.