didacticism
This term carries a dual nature, oscillating between a neutral academic description of pedagogy and a sharp critical judgment. When used in educational theory, it refers to the systematic study of instructional methods. However, in literary or social criticism, it often suggests a stifling or arrogant tone, where the desire to impart a moral lesson overrides the artistic or natural flow of the communication.
Because it describes an abstract quality or a theoretical system, the word is treated as an uncountable mass noun. It does not have a plural form and cannot be counted with numbers; instead, it requires partitive constructions such as a streak of didacticism or an element of didacticism to describe specific instances of the behavior.
Meanings
The practice or quality of intending to teach, particularly in a way that is overly moralistic or patronizing.
The author's heavy didacticism made the novel feel more like a sermon than a story.