Moral allegory

Definition

Moral allegory is a narrative technique where characters and events symbolize deeper moral or ethical meanings, often reflecting the struggle between good and evil. In literature, this technique helps convey complex moral lessons through symbolic representation, allowing readers to engage with the text on multiple levels. Such allegories often involve personifications of virtues and vices that illustrate the consequences of moral choices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Moral allegory often uses characters who embody specific virtues or vices, making their actions representative of broader moral themes.
2. Ben Jonson utilized moral allegory in his works to critique societal norms and human behavior, offering commentary on morality and ethics.
3. The structure of a moral allegory typically involves a conflict that represents moral dilemmas, leading characters to face choices that reflect their moral standings.
4. Such narratives invite readers to reflect on their own values and decisions, fostering a deeper understanding of moral philosophy.
5. In Jonson's plays, the use of moral allegory serves as a means to entertain while simultaneously delivering ethical messages relevant to his contemporary audience.

Review Questions

• How does Ben Jonson employ moral allegory in his works to convey ethical messages?
  • Ben Jonson employs moral allegory by creating characters that embody specific virtues and vices, allowing him to explore complex ethical themes through their interactions. His plays often present moral dilemmas that force characters to confront their own values and choices. This approach not only entertains but also provokes thought about the consequences of one's actions in society.
• What are some examples of characters or situations in Jonson's works that serve as moral allegories, and what lessons do they impart?
  • In Jonson's play 'Volpone,' the titular character serves as a moral allegory for greed and deception. His manipulative actions lead to his downfall, illustrating the dangers of avarice. Another example is 'The Alchemist,' where the characters represent various aspects of human folly, teaching lessons about the consequences of gullibility and ambition. These allegorical representations guide audiences toward understanding the moral implications of their behaviors.
• Analyze how moral allegory functions as a tool for social critique in Ben Jonson's writings and its relevance to modern audiences.
  • Moral allegory in Ben Jonson's writings serves as a powerful tool for social critique by exposing the flaws and vices of society. Through his use of symbolic characters and situations, Jonson reflects on human nature and societal norms, encouraging audiences to question their ethical beliefs. This relevance extends to modern audiences as these timeless themes resonate across generations, prompting reflection on current societal issues and individual responsibilities in a morally complex world.

Related terms

Allegory: A literary device where abstract ideas are represented through characters, events, and symbols, conveying a deeper meaning or message.

Personification: A figure of speech where human traits are attributed to non-human entities or abstract concepts, often used in allegorical narratives.

Didactic Literature: Literature that is intended to teach a lesson or impart moral instruction to the reader, often overlapping with the themes found in moral allegories.