Moral instruction

Definition

Moral instruction refers to the teaching of ethical principles and values intended to guide individuals' behavior and decision-making. In literature, especially in the works of African American writers before 1900, moral instruction often serves as a means to convey lessons about justice, integrity, and social responsibility, while also critiquing societal norms and injustices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Moral instruction in African American literature before 1900 often aimed at addressing the struggles against slavery and racial injustice, encouraging resilience and unity among the oppressed.
2. Authors such as Frederick Douglass and Harriet Jacobs used their narratives to highlight moral dilemmas faced by enslaved individuals, aiming to evoke empathy from their readers.
3. Poetic forms, like spirituals and ballads, frequently contained moral lessons that reinforced community values and the importance of faith during times of hardship.
4. The use of allegory and symbolism in literature served as powerful tools for conveying moral messages, allowing authors to critique society while inspiring readers to reflect on their own values.
5. Moral instruction not only focused on personal ethics but also emphasized collective responsibility in advocating for social justice and change within the broader community.

Review Questions

• How do major works in African American literature utilize moral instruction to address societal issues?
  • Major works in African American literature often employ moral instruction as a way to address pressing societal issues such as slavery, racism, and inequality. For instance, in his autobiography, Frederick Douglass uses moral lessons drawn from his own experiences to emphasize the importance of freedom and human dignity. Through storytelling and personal narratives, these authors inspire readers to confront injustices and advocate for change.
• In what ways does the style of poetry contribute to the effectiveness of moral instruction in African American literature?
  • The style of poetry in African American literature enhances moral instruction by using rhythm, repetition, and imagery to create emotional resonance. Poets can engage their audience deeply, making ethical lessons more relatable and memorable. The use of musical elements in spirituals often allowed for communal singing that reinforced shared values while delivering powerful moral messages about hope and resilience.
• Evaluate the role of moral instruction in shaping the identity of African American communities before 1900.
  • Moral instruction played a crucial role in shaping the identity of African American communities before 1900 by reinforcing a sense of shared values and collective responsibility amidst oppression. Literature provided a platform for discussing ethics related to freedom, family, and community solidarity. As authors challenged societal norms through their writings, they not only educated their audiences about moral principles but also fostered a cultural identity rooted in resilience, advocacy for justice, and a commitment to social change.

Related terms

didactic literature: Literature that is designed to teach a lesson or impart moral or ethical guidance, often through storytelling.

rhetorical appeals: Strategies used by authors to persuade an audience, including ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), and logos (logic), often employed to enhance moral messages.

social critique: A form of writing that examines and challenges societal norms, values, and practices, often with the aim of promoting social change.