Allegory: meaning, definitions and examples

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allegory

[ˈalɪɡ(ə)ri ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

literature

A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.

Synonyms

metaphor, parable, symbolism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
allegory	An allegory is a story or narrative that uses characters and events to represent deeper moral or political meanings. George Orwell's 'Animal Farm' is an allegory for the Russian Revolution. The movie uses allegory to discuss the impact of technology on our lives.
symbolism	Symbolism refers to the use of symbols to represent ideas and concepts. In 'The Great Gatsby,' the green light symbolizes Gatsby's hopes and dreams. The dove is a common symbol of peace.
parable	A parable is a short, simple story that teaches a moral or religious lesson. The parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us about kindness and helping others. Many of Jesus' teachings were delivered through parables.
metaphor	A metaphor is a figure of speech where one thing is described as if it were another, in order to suggest a similarity. Time is a thief that steals our moments. Her eyes were oceans of mystery.

Examples of usage

Animal Farm by George Orwell is an allegory of the Russian Revolution.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis is an allegory of Christianity.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

art

A form of extended metaphor in which objects, persons, and actions in a narrative are equated with the meanings that lie outside the narrative itself.

Synonyms

figuration, representation, symbolism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
allegory	Used in literature and art to represent ideas and principles through characters and events. Often seen in stories or paintings with deeper meanings. George Orwell's 'Animal Farm' is an allegory about the Russian Revolution The painting uses allegory to comment on the effects of war
symbolism	Used to imbue objects, people, or events with deeper meanings beyond their literal sense. Frequently employed in literature, art, and movies. In 'The Great Gatsby,' the green light is an example of symbolism The use of the dove as a peace symbol is common in many cultures
representation	A general term used to indicate the portrayal of something. It can refer to the depiction of real or abstract concepts, objects, or entities. The map is a representation of the city's layout Her paintings are a representation of her feelings
figuration	Usually related to the depiction of human or animal forms in art. It's more about physical forms rather than abstract ideas. The artist is famous for his figuration of mythical creatures In the sculpture, the figuration of the human body is incredibly detailed

Examples of usage

The painting 'The Garden of Earthly Delights' by Hieronymus Bosch is considered an allegory of sin and redemption.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term comes from the Greek word 'allegoria', meaning 'speaking otherwise' or 'figurative language'.
In Latin, the concept was also associated with 'allegoria', which closely relates to 'saying concealed truths'.
The word has been used in literature since the Middle Ages, often linking to moral and philosophical themes.

Literature

One of the most famous allegories is George Orwell's 'Animal Farm', which critiques totalitarian regimes through a farm of talking animals.
Plato's 'Allegory of the Cave' discusses perception and reality through prisoners watching shadows on a wall.
John Bunyan's 'The Pilgrim's Progress' is another well-known work, using the journey of a character named Christian to symbolize the spiritual journey to salvation.

Art

Many paintings, like those of Hieronymus Bosch, use allegory to convey complex ideas such as morality and the human condition.
In Renaissance art, allegorical figures were often used to personify virtues, vices, and abstract ideas like Justice and Charity.
Modern art continues to utilize allegory to challenge viewers to think deeper about societal issues or human experiences.

Psychology

Allegories can engage our subconscious, making us more receptive to new ideas and perspectives through narrative.
They stimulate critical thinking, as decoding hidden meanings requires active engagement with the content.
Therapeutic practices sometimes use allegory, helping clients explore personal challenges and perspectives through stories.

Film & Media

Many films, like 'The Matrix', use allegorical storytelling to explore themes of reality versus illusion and the nature of existence.
Animated films, such as 'Zootopia', cleverly incorporate allegories about societal issues like discrimination and acceptance.
Allegory is a common technique in video games, where character journeys and choices often reflect larger moral questions.

Translations

Translations of the word "allegory" in other languages:

🇵🇹 alegoria

🇮🇳 रूपक

🇩🇪 Allegorie

🇮🇩 alegori

🇺🇦 алегорія

🇵🇱 alegoria

🇯🇵 寓意

🇫🇷 allégorie

🇪🇸 alegoría

🇹🇷 alegori

🇰🇷 우화

🇸🇦 رمز

🇨🇿 alegorie

🇸🇰 alegória

🇨🇳 寓言

🇸🇮 alegorija

🇮🇸 dæmisaga

🇰🇿 аллегория

🇬🇪 ალეგორია

🇦🇿 alleqoriya

🇲🇽 alegoría

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,933, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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