WordValeallegory
a story whose characters and events symbolize deeper meanings
In more detail
1. (noun) a story, poem, or picture that uses characters and events to represent or express ideas, especially about morality or politics, rather than telling a literal story
Examples
- The novel is an allegory for the dangers of unchecked power.
How to use allegory
An allegory is a narrative or visual work where characters, events, and settings function as extended metaphors for abstract ideas or principles. Unlike a simple metaphor, an allegory sustains symbolic meaning throughout a complete work. It is commonly used in literary, artistic, and political contexts to discuss how texts convey moral, religious, or political messages beneath their surface narratives.
Common phrases
- political allegory
- moral allegory
- allegorical representation
- allegory of the cave
- read as an allegory
Synonyms
parable · fable · metaphor · symbolism · symbolic narrative
Word family
allegorical · allegorically · allegorist
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse allegory with metaphor; remember that allegory is a full narrative with sustained symbolic meaning, while a metaphor is a single comparison between two things.
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