Glossary of Literary Theory by Greig E. Henderson and Christopher Brown

Instruction:

A term used by classical, Renaissance, and neoclassical critics (Horace, Sir Philip Sidney, John Dryden, and others) to describe the utility, edification, and education that artistic imitation affords. The idea of instruction with pleasure -- utile et dulce -- was introduced by Horace. (See also Art, Decorum, Delight, Nature.)