Stories aren’t just for entertainment. They often carry hidden lessons, important truths about how we should live our lives. These lessons are called morals. Understanding the moral of a story helps us understand the point of the story, what the author wants us to take away. Let’s explore this important literary device.
What is a Moral?
A moral is a lesson or principle conveyed by a story, a play, a poem, or other literary work. It’s a central theme or message about what is right and wrong, good and bad. It’s often an insight about human behavior or the nature of life. Unlike a theme, which is a broader subject explored in a work, a moral is specifically about a lesson to be learned.
Simple Definition & Examples
Think of a moral as a simple truth tucked inside a story. Here are a few quick examples:
- Story: The Tortoise and the Hare. Moral: Slow and steady wins the race.
- Story: The Boy Who Cried Wolf. Moral: Lying leads to mistrust.
- Story: The Lion and the Mouse. Moral: Even the small can help the mighty.
These are straightforward lessons, often stated directly at the end of the story, particularly in fables. However, morals aren’t always explicitly stated; sometimes, you have to infer them from the events of the story.
Deeper Dive: Understanding Morals in Literature
While simple fables offer clear morals, more complex narratives present them in nuanced ways. Let’s look at how morals operate in different kinds of stories.
Identifying the Moral: It’s Not Always Obvious
Often, the moral isn’t shouted from the rooftops. Instead, it emerges from the characters’ actions, their consequences, and the overall resolution of the story. To identify the moral, ask yourself these questions:
- What did the main character learn?
- What were the consequences of their actions?
- What message does the story seem to be conveying about life or human nature?
Moral vs. Theme: What’s the Difference?
It’s easy to confuse a moral with a theme. Both deal with overarching ideas, but they differ in scope and purpose.
- Theme: A broad subject explored in a story (e.g., love, loss, ambition, justice).
- Moral: A specific lesson about that theme (e.g., True love requires sacrifice; Unchecked ambition leads to ruin).
A story can have multiple themes, but it generally has one central moral. For example, Shakespeare’s Hamlet explores themes of revenge, mortality, and corruption. A moral derived from the play might be that revenge ultimately destroys the revenger.
Examples of Morals in Classic Literature
Let’s examine how morals function in well-known stories:
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
This novel explores the themes of love, class, and reputation. A key moral is that first impressions can be deceiving, and judging others based on superficial qualities can lead to misunderstandings and unhappiness. Elizabeth Bennet initially misjudges Mr. Darcy, and her prejudice nearly prevents her from finding true love. The story demonstrates the importance of looking beyond appearances and valuing inner character.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
This powerful novel tackles themes of racial injustice, prejudice, and morality. A central moral is that empathy and understanding are essential for overcoming prejudice. Atticus Finch teaches his children, and the reader, the importance of “walking in another person’s shoes” before judging them. The story illustrates the devastating consequences of prejudice and the power of compassion.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
This novel explores the themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream. A significant moral is that pursuing illusion and clinging to the past can lead to disappointment and tragedy. Gatsby’s relentless pursuit of Daisy and his idealized vision of the past ultimately destroy him. The story warns against the dangers of materialism and the futility of trying to recapture the past.
Animal Farm by George Orwell
This allegorical novella explores the themes of power, corruption, and social inequality. A clear moral is that absolute power corrupts absolutely. The pigs, initially motivated by ideals of equality, gradually abuse their power and become as tyrannical as the humans they overthrew. The story serves as a warning against the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of safeguarding freedom.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
This gothic novel explores the themes of ambition, creation, and responsibility. A key moral is that unchecked ambition and the pursuit of knowledge without considering the consequences can have disastrous results. Victor Frankenstein’s relentless pursuit of creating life leads to tragedy and suffering for himself and those around him. The story highlights the importance of ethical considerations in scientific advancement.
How Authors Use Morals
Authors employ various techniques to convey morals:
- Character Development: Characters who learn a lesson often embody the moral of the story.
- Plot Events: The consequences of actions demonstrate the validity of the moral.
- Symbolism: Objects or images can represent abstract concepts related to the moral.
- Foreshadowing: Hints about the moral can be woven into the narrative.
Sometimes, the moral is explicitly stated by a character, a narrator, or even at the end of the story. However, more sophisticated authors prefer to allow the reader to discover the moral through careful observation and interpretation.
The Enduring Power of Morals
Stories with strong morals resonate with readers because they offer insights into the human condition. They help us understand ourselves, our values, and our place in the world. The best stories don’t just entertain; they enlighten and inspire us to become better people. The enduring popularity of fables and classic literature is a testament to the power of morals to transcend time and culture.
Understanding morals isn’t about being “taught a lesson” in a preachy way. It’s about engaging with stories on a deeper level, recognizing their underlying messages, and applying those insights to our own lives.