temperance novels

Temperance novels are a genre of literature that promote the temperance movement, which advocated for moderation or complete abstinence from alcohol. These stories often depict the negative consequences of excessive drinking, such as family disruption, personal decline, or social issues, to persuade readers to adopt sober lifestyles. Through compelling characters and narratives, temperance novels aim to raise awareness about alcohol's harms and encourage moral and social reform. They were particularly popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, serving as moral lessons and rallying tools for advocating temperance principles.