The Role of Explicit Moral Points in Fable Reading

Abstract

Using a qualitative methodology and 2 authentic fables, the aim of this study was to describe the role of explicit moral points in fable reading. Previous research on explicit summarizing statements has defined 3 potential functions of these statement types: activation of prior knowledge, enhanced integration of textual content, and refocusing of attention. Traditionally, explicit moral points in fables have been de-fined as having the additional function of persuading readers to accept a socially supported interpretation of human behavior. Ninety-nine adult readers read the narrative section of a fable and then gave written interpretations before and after reading the explicit moral point. The analysis of the written data revealed 7 different progressions of written categories, 4 of which can lead to a convergence of responses toward the authorized explicit moral point. Results show that the explicit moral point fulfills the function of offering enhanced integration and refocusing of attention on new information.