Post-conventional morality on the example of some epic works of Vazha-Pshavela ("Aluda Ketelauri", "The Story of Ivane Kotorashvili")

Abstract

Lawrence Kohlberg distinguishes preconventional, conventional, and postconventional levels of a person's moral development. People go through each stage sequentially, although at a different pace. At the postconventional level, a person reaches a high level of development, when he can make decisions independently, taking into account his own views and conscience.

People at the postconventional level believe that rules are necessary, but changeable systems that can be violated if they contradict fundamental human values.

Observation of Vazha-Pshavela's epic works has shown us the poet's persistence in his interest in ethical issues. Post-conventional morality is clearly visible in such poems as: “Aluda Ketelauri”, “Guest-Host”, “The Story of Ivane Kotorashvili”, “The Search for Blood” and others.

In the poem “Aluda Ketelauri”, the poet describes the difficult process of metamorphosis of a person. On this path, the hero has to reassess and defend high moral values. Aluda involuntarily finds herself face to face with the rest of society, which forces her to obey tradition and the rules established in the community.

“The Story of Ivane Kotorashvili” introduces the reader to a young man, Ivane, who is a distinguished man in his community. Society treats Ivane with great respect and awe. In a crisis situation, Ivane also refuses the existing rules and acts according to the dictates of his own views and conscience. He confronts a society that disregards human dignity and freedom, that considers human life as nothing.

According to the poem, the new time was establishing a new law based on hatred of one’s neighbor, trampling on the worthy due to the insatiable desire for self-establishment, oppression, and betrayal. Adapting to such a society was tantamount to the death of a person. Heroes like Ivane first confront the community and then transform it.

As it became clear during the analysis of the works, the ideal heroes of Vazha-Pshavela firmly defend post-conventional morality and the most important human values.