Why is it that in many works of literature, particularly the more archaic works.

Question: Why is it that in many works of literature, particularly the more archaic works!.!.!.!?

everything is split between wholly Good, and wholly Evil, the protagonist being something close to a saint, while the antagonist being the devil himself incarnated, which is contrary to the actual humans of this world, neither good, nor evil, but a bit of both (though most are leaning to the latter)!?Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Don't know your definition of "archaic," but look at The Iliad -- that's pretty archaic!. The characters in it -- mortals and even gods -- are complex -- not all good or all bad!. I think the style you're referring to is where the story ha a moral to impart!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Because so much of life, in medieval times, was based on the routines of the church!. The focus was on getting to heaven and religion provided a way to help people endur their difficult lives!. Literature at the time took a focus of completely good or completely evil as a result of that and also because the focus was not really on the various facets of human personalities!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

People used to think like that!. Back when the bible was practically the law, things were in black and white!. Now it's all shades of gray, and the degree of light or darkness seems to come from your political views!.

For example, let's take abortion!.
People on the right argue that a life is a life, regardless if they've been born or not!.
People on the left argue that it's a woman's right to get rid of an unwanted baby because it's a part of their body!.

See!? Shades of gray!. Www@QuestionHome@Com

Back then any 'shade of grey' was instantly put with the 'shade of black'!. They had no choice but to do exactly as the Bible and the Laws said (which were essentially the same things)!. If you didn't!? Well, most people followed the laws!.Www@QuestionHome@Com