Moral Tales

Definition

Moral tales are short narratives that convey a moral lesson or ethical message, often through simple plots and characters. These stories were particularly significant during the emergence of the periodical essay as they provided readers with insights into virtues, vices, and social behaviors, reflecting the values of the time while also entertaining and instructing the audience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Moral tales gained popularity in the 17th and 18th centuries, often featured in periodicals to promote moral and social values.
2. These tales frequently employed relatable characters and scenarios that mirrored the everyday lives of readers, making their lessons accessible.
3. Moral tales often concluded with a clear resolution that highlighted the moral lesson, reinforcing the desired behaviors or attitudes.
4. Authors like Joseph Addison and Richard Steele incorporated moral tales in their essays, aiming to improve society through shared values.
5. The use of moral tales in periodicals helped democratize literature by reaching a wider audience, fostering a culture of reading among the middle class.

Review Questions

• How did moral tales serve the purpose of both entertaining and educating readers during the rise of periodical essays?
  • Moral tales served a dual purpose by engaging readers with interesting stories while simultaneously delivering important ethical lessons. The narratives were crafted to resonate with everyday experiences, making the morals easy to understand and applicable to readers' lives. This combination of entertainment and education aligned perfectly with the goals of periodical essays, which sought to inform and uplift public discourse.
• Discuss the impact of authors like Joseph Addison and Richard Steele on the development and popularity of moral tales within periodical essays.
  • Joseph Addison and Richard Steele significantly influenced the development of moral tales by integrating them into their periodical essays, such as 'The Spectator.' Their writing styles combined wit with moral instruction, making complex ideas more relatable and enjoyable. This approach not only popularized moral tales but also established them as a key feature in periodicals aimed at promoting social improvement and thoughtful reflection among readers.
• Evaluate how the characteristics of moral tales reflect the social values of the Restoration and early eighteenth century.
  • Moral tales reflect the social values of the Restoration and early eighteenth century by emphasizing themes such as virtue, honesty, and social responsibility. The narratives often highlight the consequences of immoral actions, reinforcing societal expectations during a time when emerging middle classes valued ethics in both personal conduct and public life. By addressing contemporary issues through accessible stories, moral tales contributed to a cultural dialogue about morality that was essential for shaping public opinion and social norms during this transformative period.

Related terms

Fable: A brief story, typically featuring animals as characters, that conveys a moral lesson.

Allegory: A narrative in which characters and events symbolize broader themes and concepts, often conveying moral or political messages.

Didactic Literature: Literature intended to teach a lesson or impart knowledge, often emphasizing ethical and moral themes.