Moralism

Definition

Moralism is a philosophical and literary approach that emphasizes the importance of moral values and ethical considerations in human behavior and societal norms. It often involves the judgment of actions as right or wrong based on a set of principles, seeking to instruct or improve society through moral lessons. This perspective is especially relevant when examining literature that critiques or reflects upon human morality, ethics, and social values.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Oscar Wilde's works often critique moralism by highlighting its contradictions and the hypocrisy present in societal moral standards.
2. Wilde believed that art should not be solely a vehicle for moral instruction but should also celebrate beauty and individual expression.
3. In his famous play 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' Wilde uses humor to challenge conventional moral values and expose the absurdity of social norms.
4. Wilde's life experiences, including his trials and imprisonment, reflect the tensions between personal freedom and societal moral expectations.
5. Moralism in Wilde's context can be seen as an attempt to control individual behavior through rigid moral codes, which he often rejected in favor of a more hedonistic approach to life.

Review Questions

• How does Oscar Wilde's critique of moralism manifest in his literary works?
  • Wilde's critique of moralism is evident in his use of wit and irony to expose the hypocrisy within societal norms. In plays like 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' he satirizes the rigid moral codes that dictate behavior while celebrating individual desires and freedoms. His characters often engage in morally questionable behavior, showcasing the absurdity of strictly adhering to societal morals, ultimately advocating for a more nuanced understanding of ethics.
• In what ways does Wilde's approach to aestheticism contrast with traditional moralism?
  • Wilde's aestheticism emphasizes beauty and art for its own sake, rejecting the notion that literature should serve a didactic purpose or convey moral lessons. This stands in stark contrast to traditional moralism, which insists on ethical instruction as a primary function of art. By prioritizing aesthetics over morality, Wilde argues for the value of individual expression and personal experience rather than conformity to societal standards.
• Evaluate how Wilde's personal experiences influenced his views on moralism and ethics in his writings.
  • Wilde's personal experiences, particularly his trials and subsequent imprisonment for homosexuality, deeply shaped his perspective on moralism. His harsh encounters with societal judgment made him acutely aware of the conflicts between personal identity and public morality. These experiences fueled his belief that rigid moral codes could be oppressive, leading him to advocate for artistic freedom and a celebration of life's pleasures in his writing. This evaluation reveals the intersection between his life struggles and his literary critiques of conventional morality.

Related terms

Didacticism:

A style of writing intended to teach the reader a moral lesson, often incorporating educational elements into narratives.

Ethics: The branch of philosophy concerned with questions of morality, examining what is right or wrong, good or bad, in human conduct.

Aestheticism: A movement that prioritized beauty and aesthetic values over moral themes in art and literature, often opposing strict moralism.