Moral instruction

Definition

Moral instruction refers to the process of imparting ethical principles and values through literature and artistic expression. It plays a crucial role in shaping societal norms, guiding individual behavior, and fostering a sense of moral responsibility. This concept is intertwined with literary theory, which examines how texts convey moral messages, as well as dramatic forms, which often use storytelling to highlight moral dilemmas and character development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Moral instruction was a fundamental aspect of premodern Chinese literature, often used to promote virtues aligned with Confucian ideals.
2. In literary theory, moral instruction is analyzed in terms of how authors construct narratives that engage readers with ethical questions.
3. Zaju drama employed moral instruction as a key element, using plot and characters to illustrate ethical lessons relevant to contemporary society.
4. Critics of literature in the premodern period emphasized the importance of moral instruction as a measure of a text's value and relevance.
5. The incorporation of moral instruction in drama served to both entertain and educate audiences, making ethical considerations accessible through performance.

Review Questions

• How does moral instruction enhance the understanding of literary works in premodern Chinese culture?
  • Moral instruction enhances the understanding of literary works by providing readers with a framework to interpret characters' actions and narrative outcomes through an ethical lens. By emphasizing virtues and moral dilemmas, authors create a deeper connection between the text and societal values. This allows readers to reflect on their own behavior and moral responsibilities in relation to the lessons conveyed in the literature.
• Discuss the significance of moral instruction in the development of zaju drama and how it shaped audience perceptions.
  • Moral instruction in zaju drama was significant because it allowed playwrights to weave ethical lessons into entertaining narratives. By addressing relevant social issues and moral questions through relatable characters, these dramas fostered audience engagement and reflection. This blend of entertainment and moral teaching not only reinforced societal norms but also encouraged audiences to consider their own values and actions in light of the stories presented.
• Evaluate the impact of moral instruction on literary theory criticism during the premodern period and its lasting influence on contemporary interpretations.
  • Moral instruction significantly impacted literary theory criticism during the premodern period by establishing criteria for evaluating texts based on their ethical content. Critics assessed works not just for artistic merit but also for their capacity to impart moral lessons, shaping how literature was taught and understood. This emphasis on ethical considerations continues to influence contemporary interpretations, as modern scholars still explore how texts reflect cultural values and address moral complexities within society.

Related terms

didactic literature: A genre of literature intended to teach the reader a specific lesson or moral.

confucian ethics: A system of moral, social, and political philosophy based on the teachings of Confucius, emphasizing virtues such as respect, responsibility, and integrity.

character development: The process through which a character in a narrative undergoes growth or change, often reflecting moral lessons or transformations.