Morality

Definition

Morality refers to the principles and values that guide individuals in determining what is right and wrong, shaping ethical behavior and decision-making. It often encompasses cultural, religious, and philosophical beliefs, influencing how characters act and react in various narratives, especially in dramatic works.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Many major playwrights, like Sophocles and Euripides, used morality to explore themes of justice, fate, and human suffering in their works.
2. Morality in ancient plays often reflects societal norms and expectations, challenging characters to confront their ethical decisions.
3. Greek tragedies often depict characters facing moral dilemmas, prompting audiences to reflect on their own values and the consequences of actions.
4. The use of morality in dramatic literature serves as a tool for social commentary, allowing playwrights to critique their society's values.
5. Plays such as 'Antigone' highlight the conflict between individual morals and state laws, illustrating the complexity of ethical choices.

Review Questions

• How do major playwrights use morality to shape character development and plot progression?
  • Playwrights incorporate morality into their narratives by crafting characters who face ethical dilemmas that drive their actions and decisions. This moral framework allows for complex character development, as characters must navigate their beliefs against societal expectations. The resulting conflicts create tension within the plot and invite audiences to engage with questions of right and wrong.
• Discuss how morality is portrayed in a specific work by a major playwright and its impact on the audience's understanding of ethical issues.
  • In 'Antigone' by Sophocles, morality is portrayed through the clash between Antigone's personal beliefs and Creon's laws. Antigone's decision to bury her brother against the king's edict raises critical questions about loyalty, justice, and the consequences of moral choices. This portrayal compels the audience to reflect on their own ethical beliefs and the nature of justice within society.
• Evaluate the role of morality in shaping societal norms as depicted by major playwrights throughout history.
  • Major playwrights have utilized morality as a lens to reflect and challenge societal norms, effectively influencing public perception and discourse. By dramatizing moral conflicts, these works encourage audiences to reconsider accepted values and advocate for change. This dynamic relationship between morality in theater and societal norms illustrates how literature can serve as a catalyst for ethical reflection and social transformation.

Related terms

Ethics: A branch of philosophy that studies moral values and rules, focusing on what is considered right or wrong behavior.

Tragedy: A genre of drama that presents serious themes and moral dilemmas, often leading to the downfall of the protagonist due to a flaw or circumstance.

Catharsis: The emotional release experienced by the audience in response to the tragic events depicted in a play, often leading to reflection on moral issues.