Allegory meaning: Allegory

Allegory, a symbolic fictional narrative that conveys a meaning not explicitly set forth in the narrative . Allegory, which encompasses such forms as fable, parable, and apologue, may have a meaning on two or more levels that the reader can understand only through an interpretive process. Instead of stating a message directly, an allegory encourages the audience to find meaning through characters, settings, or events. Like a metaphor , an allegory explains complex ideas by connecting them to something familiar. Clear definition and examples of Allegory . An allegory is a story within a story. It has a “surface story” and another story hidden underneath. 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. Allegory is a literary device that uses events, characters, or objects to represent abstract ideas or concepts. Learn about the four types of allegory , the difference between allegory and symbolism, and some famous examples of allegory in literature.