An allegory is a literary device in which characters, events, or settings in a narrative symbolize deeper meanings and abstract concepts. It allows writers to convey complex ideas and messages through a more accessible and engaging story.
Allegories often have two levels of meaning: the surface story and the symbolic or deeper meaning. The surface story involves the characters and events as they are presented, while the deeper meaning often reflects moral, political, social, or philosophical themes.
Examples of Allegory
- “Animal Farm” by George Orwell: This novella uses farm animals to represent the events leading up to the Russian Revolution and the early Soviet Union. The characters symbolize historical figures and the narrative critiques the corruption of power.
- “The Pilgrim’s Progress” by John Bunyan: Symbolizing the Christian journey of faith, the protagonist, Christian, represents a believer, and his journey to the Celestial City symbolizes the path to salvation.
Types of Allegory
- Moral Allegory: These stories use allegorical characters and events to illustrate moral lessons. For example, Aesop’s fables often teach ethical principles through stories of animals with human traits.
- Political Allegory: These narratives critique political systems, ideologies, or events. “Animal Farm” is a prominent example, using the story to critique Soviet communism.
- Religious Allegory: These works convey spiritual or religious messages. “The Pilgrim’s Progress” is an example of a Christian allegory.
- Social Allegory: These stories comment on societal issues, such as class struggles, injustices, or cultural norms. For instance, “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding can be interpreted as a social allegory about the inherent evil in human nature.
Characteristics of Allegory
- Symbolism: Rely on symbols to convey deeper meanings. Each element in the story represents something beyond its literal meaning.
- Dual Layers: The presence of both a surface story and a deeper, symbolic meaning.
- Didactic Nature: Aim is to teach a lesson or convey a specific message to the audience.
Writing to Convey Symbolic Meaning
When writing an allegory, authors carefully choose their characters, settings, and plot points to reflect the underlying message. The key is to maintain a balance between the literal story and the symbolic meaning, ensuring that the narrative remains engaging while also conveying its deeper significance.
Allegories have been used throughout history to address important themes and issues in a way that is both thought-provoking and accessible, making them a powerful tool in literature.
Meanwhile, at Dreamers…
Enter the Dreamers Flash Contest – Due Sept. 30
Submit a fiction or nonfiction story of between 300 and 1000 words for your chance to win! The winner will receive $150 CAD and a copy of the Dreamers magazine.
2024 Micro Nonfiction Story Writing Contest Results
Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 Dreamers Micro Nonfiction Story Writing Contest, for nonfiction stories between 100-300 words.