An analysis of moral values in the adventures of Tintin

This research project aims to examine the qualities of a good person as seen in the comic book series The Adventures of Tintin. Specifically, the study examines the character of Tintin and the way in which he is portrayed as a role model of morality for Buddhists. The data are twelve selected episodes from The Adventures of Tintin, first published in 1929. The study first examines the values of a good person in the light of the seven Buddhist principles of Sappurisa-dhamma and in the context of the performance of good acts, right speech, and positive thought. The seven Buddhist principles of Sappurisa-dhamma are: Dhammanyuta (knowing cause and effect) Atthanyuta (knowing purpose and consequence), Attanyuta (knowing oneself, as well as one’s status, role, abilities, knowledge, and skill), Karanyuta (knowing the proper time to act as determined by the occasion or context), Mattanyuta (knowing moderation), Parisanyuta (knowing the society or community where one resides, including its different customs and traditions) and Pukkaranyuta (knowing how to teach other people to behave properly). The study then provides evidence to show that the character of Tintin exemplifies these Buddhist qualities of a good man. The study concludes that The Adventures of Tintin can thus be a valuable piece of literature for the study of Buddhist moral principles and an excellent teaching resource for educators.