Final answer:
The literary principle that states virtue is rewarded and vice is punished is known as poetic justice, a concept deeply embedded in literature and philosophy, reflecting a moral order and the consequence of actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The literary principle that virtue is rewarded and vice is punished is often referred to as poetic justice. This principle is rooted in the belief that literature, and in a broader sense life, adheres to a moral order where every action has a corresponding consequence. It is present in many classical and modern stories, where characters' moral integrity is tested, and their outcomes are a direct reflection of their ethical choices.
Aristotle's concept of virtues and vices suggests that virtue is a mean between two extremes, and by practicing virtuous acts, we develop a virtuous character. The famous Code of Hammurabi also echoes a sense of justice, implying that punishment should correlate with the crime, though the penalties varied based on social class. This concept of justice and moral cause-and-effect has been a long-enduring and influential idea in both philosophy and literature.
While this principle may not be applied uniformly across all literature, as many modern and complex works eschew such clear-cut moral outcomes, the expectation of poetic justice remains a powerful storytelling tool that resonates with readers seeking moral clarity and resolution.