Moralisé

Moralisé is a French term that translates to "moralized" in English. It describes a work of art, literature, or discourse that has been altered or interpreted with the intention of conveying a moral lesson. This can involve adding explicit moral commentary, reinterpreting existing elements to fit a moral framework, or adapting a narrative to serve a didactic purpose.

The concept of moralisation is particularly relevant in the study of classical literature and art. For example, medieval scribes often moralized pagan myths and stories by finding allegorical Christian meanings within them. This allowed them to engage with pre-Christian narratives while reinforcing contemporary religious values. Similarly, illustrators might have added visual elements to a text that emphasized a moral outcome or character trait.

In a broader sense, moralisé can refer to any instance where something is presented or understood through a moral lens, often to reinforce societal norms or ethical principles. The process can be conscious and deliberate, as in an author's stated intention, or it can be an implicit interpretation by an audience or critic. The act of moralisation aims to extract or impose a moral significance, making the subject matter serve an ethical or pedagogical function.