ALLEGORY

 ALLEGORY

 

Introduction
An allegory is a literary device where characters, events, and settings stand for abstract ideas or moral qualities. It tells a story on the surface, but beneath that, it conveys a deeper meaning. Allegory helps writers to speak indirectly about serious topics like religion, politics, or ethics. It is a powerful tool used to teach lessons, express opinions, or comment on society without being too direct. Writers use symbols, metaphors, and hidden meanings to make the message richer and more thought-provoking.

 

Meaning and Nature of Allegory

The word “allegory” comes from the Greek word allegoria, which means “speaking differently.” It is like a puzzle or double story. One story is what we read—the literal meaning. The other story lies beneath, filled with symbolic significance. Every element in an allegory—be it a character, place, or event—stands for something beyond its surface identity. It can represent virtues like honesty or evil like greed. Through these symbols, authors reflect truths about life, human nature, or spiritual journeys.

 

Types of Allegory

Allegories are of two main types: moral or religious allegory and political or social allegory. In moral or religious allegory, the focus is on teaching values, faith, or inner conflict. The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan is a classic religious allegory where the main character, Christian, goes on a journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City, symbolizing a soul’s journey to salvation. Political allegories, on the other hand, criticize or comment on governments, rulers, and social injustice. George Orwell’s Animal Farm is a strong example where animals represent political figures and the story mirrors the Russian Revolution.

 

Function and Purpose

Allegory serves many purposes in literature. It helps to simplify complex ideas by turning them into stories. It gives writers the freedom to speak about dangerous or sensitive issues in a hidden way. Through symbolic characters and plots, allegory can touch readers' emotions and imagination. It also encourages readers to think deeply and interpret the meaning for themselves. The hidden meanings make the work richer and more meaningful.

 

Allegory in Poetry and Prose

Allegory appears in both poetry and prose. In poetry, it can be found in works like Edmund Spenser’s The Faerie Queene. This long poem is full of knights and magical adventures, but each figure stands for a moral quality. For example, the Red Cross Knight represents Holiness. In prose, Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress remains the most famous allegorical story in English. Every place Christian visits and every person he meets carries symbolic meaning. Such stories become timeless because their lessons remain true across generations.

 

Allegory and Symbolism

Although allegory and symbolism are closely related, they are not exactly the same. A symbol is a single image that stands for something else. An allegory is a full story where everything is symbolic. In allegory, the writer uses extended symbolism, where all parts connect to the hidden message. It is like a long metaphor that carries through the entire work.

 

Examples from Literature

Many great writers have used allegory. In addition to Bunyan and Orwell, William Golding’s Lord of the Flies is often read as an allegory about human nature and the thin layer of civilization. Dante’s Divine Comedy is another grand allegory about the soul’s journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. Even Shakespeare used allegorical elements in his plays, though not in the same structured way.

 

Conclusion
Allegory is a timeless and meaningful literary form. It combines storytelling with teaching. It speaks to both the mind and the heart. Allegories allow writers to express truth and criticism in a safe, creative way. They invite readers to look beyond the surface and explore deeper meanings. Through moral, religious, or political themes, allegories enrich literature and leave a lasting impact on human thought.

 

REFERENCE
Long, William J. English Literature: Its History and Its Significance for the English-Speaking World. Anboco, 2016.
Bunyan, John. The Pilgrim’s Progress.
Spenser, Edmund. The Faerie Queene.
Orwell, George. Animal Farm.
Golding, William. Lord of the Flies.
Dante Alighieri. The Divine Comedy.

 

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