Decorum facts for kids

Decorum (say "dee-KOH-rum") is a fancy word from Latin that means "proper," "fit," or "becoming." It's a rule about what is suitable or appropriate in different situations, especially in old-fashioned rhetoric (the art of speaking or writing well), poetry, and plays.

Decorum was all about making sure that everything in a speech, poem, or play fit together perfectly. This meant that the way characters spoke, their actions, and even their clothes should match their age, social status, and the situation they were in. For example, a king should act and speak like a king, not like a farmer.

What is Decorum?

Decorum is a principle that guided artists and writers in ancient times. It helped them decide what was suitable for a specific piece of art. Think of it like knowing how to behave in different places. You act one way at a party and another way in a classroom. Decorum was the same idea for art.

Decorum in Ancient Times

The idea of decorum was very important to ancient Greek and Roman thinkers. They believed that art should be orderly and balanced. If something didn't fit, it could make the whole work seem wrong or even silly.

Decorum in Plays

In plays, decorum meant that characters had to act in ways that made sense for who they were.

• A hero should be brave.
• A villain should be sneaky.
• Old people should act wise.
• Young people might be more impulsive.

It also meant that certain things were not shown on stage. For example, violent acts or deaths usually happened offstage. The audience would only hear about them later. This was because showing too much gore was considered "improper" or not fitting for a serious play.

Why Was Decorum Important?

Decorum helped make art clear and believable to the audience. When everything was consistent, it was easier for people to understand the message. It also helped maintain a sense of order and dignity in the arts.

Decorum in Speeches

In rhetoric, decorum meant that a speaker had to adjust their style to their audience and the topic.

• You wouldn't use slang when giving a formal speech.
• You wouldn't use very complicated words if you were talking to young children.

The speaker's words, tone of voice, and even their gestures had to be appropriate for the situation. This made the speech more effective and persuasive.

Decorum in Poetry

Poets also followed decorum. The language and style of a poem had to match its subject.

• A serious poem about heroes would use grand, formal language.
• A lighthearted poem about everyday life might use simpler, more playful words.

This helped create the right mood and feeling for the poem.

Decorum Today

While the strict rules of decorum from ancient times are not always followed today, the basic idea is still around. We still expect things to "fit" or be "appropriate." For example, a serious news report uses a different tone than a funny cartoon. A formal event has different dress codes than a casual picnic. The idea of decorum helps us understand what is expected in different situations.

Images for kids

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  Poetry reading by Horace, an early advocate of decorum. Painting by Fyodor Bronnikov

See also

In Spanish: Decorum para niños