Didactic purpose

Definition

Didactic purpose refers to the intention of a work, particularly in literature and drama, to instruct or educate the audience while entertaining them. In the context of certain narratives, including plays, this purpose often encompasses moral, ethical, or religious teachings that aim to guide the audience’s understanding of right and wrong, often using storytelling as a vehicle for imparting lessons.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mystery plays were specifically designed to teach biblical stories and religious themes to an audience that was largely illiterate, making their didactic purpose crucial.
2. These plays utilized dramatic performances to convey complex theological concepts in an engaging and accessible manner.
3. The didactic purpose often included a clear moral message, aiming to guide the audience's behavior and beliefs according to Christian teachings.
4. Mystery plays frequently employed characters representing virtues and vices to help illustrate moral lessons effectively.
5. The incorporation of humor and relatable situations in mystery plays served not just to entertain but also to reinforce their educational goals.

Review Questions

• How do mystery plays utilize didactic purpose to engage audiences who may have been illiterate?
  • Mystery plays effectively utilized didactic purpose by presenting biblical stories and moral lessons in a visual and dramatic format. This approach allowed audiences who were largely illiterate to engage with complex theological concepts through relatable narratives and characters. By bringing these stories to life, the plays ensured that essential religious teachings were accessible, memorable, and impactful for all spectators.
• In what ways do the characters in mystery plays embody the didactic purpose through their actions and interactions?
  • Characters in mystery plays often embody various virtues and vices, serving as clear representations of moral lessons. For instance, a character might exemplify faithfulness while another demonstrates greed, highlighting the consequences of each trait through their actions. This method reinforces the didactic purpose by allowing the audience to witness firsthand the outcomes of different behaviors, thus encouraging them to emulate positive traits and avoid negative ones.
• Evaluate how the didactic purpose of mystery plays reflects the cultural and religious values of their time, and what this indicates about societal beliefs.
  • The didactic purpose of mystery plays serves as a reflection of the cultural and religious values prevalent during the medieval period. By focusing on biblical narratives and moral instruction, these plays illustrate a society deeply rooted in Christian beliefs and the importance placed on communal morality. This focus indicates that audiences sought guidance on ethical behavior from both their faith and art forms, suggesting that theater played a crucial role in reinforcing societal norms and fostering a collective identity based on shared values.

Related terms

Allegory: A narrative that uses symbolic figures and actions to convey deeper meanings and moral lessons.

Moral Tale: A story that explicitly illustrates a moral lesson, often found in religious or instructional texts.

Theater of the Absurd: A style of drama that explores the absurdity of human existence, often highlighting the futility of communication and understanding.