lesson 3

Question 1

• Is a type of literary criticism that judges the value of the literature based on its moral or ethical teachings. It is used whether a work conveys a lesson or message and whether it can help readers lead better lives and improve their understanding of the world.
• Literature that is ethically sound and encourages virtue is praised while literature that misguides and corrupts is condemned.
• It looks at the moral values, ethical dilemmas, and lessons that can be drawn from a text. It asks questions like:

> What moral does this story teach?
How do the characters’ actions reflect good or bad behavior?
What values does the author want the reader to adopt or reject?

• The goal is to understand how a piece of literature can influence our thinking about ethics and morality.

Answer 1

Moralist Approach

Question 2

The Moralist Approach began since 1.__. The Great Greek Philosopher 2.__ argued that literature and art had the ability to influence people. These influences could cause 3.__.

Answer 2

1. 360 B.C.
2. Plato
3. Corruption and Virtue

Question 3

He acknowledges literature’s power as a teacher by believing it capable of corrupting morals and undermining religion.

Answer 3

Plato

Question 4

He considers literature as capable of fostering virtue.

Answer 4

Aristotle

Question 5

He considers literature as something that should be delightful and instructive.

Answer 5

Horace

Question 6

He acknowledges the function of literature that is meant to teach morality and to probe philosophical issues.

Answer 6

Samuel Johnson

Question 7

This approach often sees literature as a tool for teaching morals. For example, in fables or parables, characters might face consequences for their bad actions, which ultimately serve as a lesson to the reader.

Classic examples include Aesop’s Fables, where each story ends with a clear moral lesson, like “Slow and steady wins the race” from “The
Tortoise and the Hare.”

Answer 7

Morals

Question 8

A work might explore themes of 1.__ (good qualities) and 2.__ (bad qualities). Characters might demonstrate moral behaviors, such as courage or kindness, or they might show negative traits like greed, jealousy, or cruelty.

Think of works like Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”, where Ebenezer Scrooge starts as a miserly character and is transformed through a moral
lesson into a kind, generous person.

Answer 8

Virtue & Vice

1. Virtue
2. Vice

Question 9

Many literary works contrast -, exploring how characters or situations embody these opposing forces.

In stories like “The Lord of the Flies”, the battle between civilization (good)
and savagery (evil) is a central moral theme.

Answer 9

Good and Evil

Question 10

When you read a text, ask yourself: “What is the author trying to teach me?” This could be a specific lesson about human behavior or society. For example, is the story encouraging honesty or warning against greed?

Answer 10

Identify the moral or message

Question 11

Look closely at the decisions characters make. Are they making moral choices? How do their actions lead to consequences, both good or bad? This will help you understand the ethical message of the text.

Answer 11

Examine character actions

Question 12

Authors often use their work to express a particular viewpoint on what is morally right or wrong. Think about what values the author is promoting. Are they encouraging empathy, kindness, justice, or perhaps showing the dangers of selfishness?

Answer 12

Understand the author’s purpose

Question 13

2 Limitations in Moralist Approach:

Answer 13

1. Over-simplification
2. Subjectivity

Question 14

It can sometimes reduce complex stories and characters to a simple right or wrong, ignoring deeper meanings or ambiguities.

Answer 14

Over-simplification

Question 15

Different readers might interpret morals differently, so what one reader sees as a positive moral might be seen as problematic by another.

Answer 15

Subjectivity