Allegory Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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allegory
[หalษชษก(ษ)ri ]
Definitions
literature
A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.
Synonyms
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.
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| symbolism |
Symbolism refers to the use of symbols to represent ideas and concepts.
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| parable |
A parable is a short, simple story that teaches a moral or religious lesson.
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| metaphor |
A metaphor is a figure of speech where one thing is described as if it were another, in order to suggest a similarity.
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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.
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.
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| symbolism |
Used to imbue objects, people, or events with deeper meanings beyond their literal sense. Frequently employed in literature, art, and movies.
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| 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.
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| figuration |
Usually related to the depiction of human or animal forms in art. It's more about physical forms rather than abstract ideas.
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Examples of usage
- The painting 'The Garden of Earthly Delights' by Hieronymus Bosch is considered an allegory of sin and redemption.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'allegory'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'allegory' originated from the Greek word 'allegoria', which means speaking figuratively. It has been used in literature and art for centuries to convey deeper meanings and messages through symbolic representations. Allegories have been a powerful tool for authors and artists to explore complex ideas and make social or political commentary in a more subtle and engaging way.