An allegory (AL-eh-goh-ree) is a story within a story . ... For example, the surface story might be about two neighbors throwing rocks at each other’s homes, but the hidden story would be about war between countries. Some allegories are very subtle, while others (like the rock-throwing example) can be more obvious.
What is an allegory easy definition?
allegory, a symbolic fictional narrative that conveys a meaning not explicitly set forth in the narrative . ... Literary allegories typically describe situations and events or express abstract ideas in terms of material objects, persons, and actions.
What is an example of an allegory?
An allegory (AL-eh-goh-ree) is a story within a story . ... For example, the surface story might be about two neighbors throwing rocks at each other’s homes, but the hidden story would be about war between countries. Some allegories are very subtle, while others (like the rock-throwing example) can be more obvious.
What is the best definition of allegory?
1 : the expression by means of symbolic fictional figures and actions of truths or generalizations about human existence a writer known for his use of allegory also : an instance (as in a story or painting) of such expression The poem is an allegory of love and jealousy.
What are the 3 main features of an allegory?
- Writer’s Values. A primary characteristic of an allegory is the infusion of the political or moral values of the writer. ...
- Multiple Meanings. An allegory tells a story with multiple meanings. ...
- Polarizing Relationships. ...
- Object Personification.
Is Romeo and Juliet an allegory?
Is ‘Romeo and Juliet’ an allegory? The entire book of Romeo and Juliet is written in an allegorical style . This story is popularly known as a tragedy. ... The Christian imagery throughout the story suggests that Romeo and Juliet’s love is an allegory to the relationship of people with God or Christ.
What is the difference between a symbol and an allegory?
Main Differences Between Allegory and Symbolism
Allegory is a narration or description where characters, events, or symbols reveal a hidden meaning or message whereas Symbolism is the method of representing ideas or stories through symbols thus giving a symbolic meaning rather than a literal sense.
What is the most famous allegory?
The most famous allegory ever written, John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress , was published in 1678, making it a holdover; allegory saw its artistic heyday in the Middle Ages.
Is the Bible an allegory?
Medieval scholars believed the Old Testament to serve as an allegory of New Testament events , such as the story of Jonah and the whale, which represents Jesus’ death and resurrection. According to the Old Testament Book of Jonah, a prophet spent three days in the belly of a fish.
What are the two types of allegory?
- the historical or political allegory,
- the allegory of ideas.
What is an allegory in your own words?
The word “allegory” comes from the Latin “allegoria,” meaning speaking to imply something else. An allegory is a simple story that represents a larger point about society or human nature , whose different characters may represent real-life figures.
What is the difference between an allegory and a metaphor?
Allegories and metaphors may seem similar, but they’re not the same. ... In general, metaphor is a short phrase or paragraph that compares two seemingly unrelated things to make a point , while an allegory is a long narrative that uses a seemingly unrelated story to teach a lesson or prove a point.
Which sentence most likely comes from an allegory?
Answer: The sentence which depicts the allegory is “ Jealousy quarrelled with forgiveness, but eventually forgiveness won the argument ”.
Which reason best describes the purpose of an allegory?
Writers and speakers typically use allegories to convey (semi-)hidden or complex meanings through symbolic figures, actions, imagery, or events , which together create the moral, spiritual, or political meaning the author wishes to convey. Many allegories use personification of abstract concepts.
What is allegory and its features?
Allegory: Definition and Characteristics
An allegory is a story of symbols that has two levels: literal and figurative . When we read an allegory in the form of a novel, poem, fable or parable, the story itself acts as the message or moral lesson.
What makes an allegory effective?
Allegory is often more effective than direct literal explanation. Allegorical stories can capture emotion, context and mood effectively . This makes many allegories appealing for putting forward opinions on complex moral issues. Allegory also adds complexity to narratives.
