Allegory: A Journey into Hidden Meanings
Table of Contents
Imagine a story that goes beyond its surface, weaving symbols and characters into a tapestry of hidden meanings. This is the essence of allegory , a literary technique that imparts profound moral, spiritual, or political insights through its symbolic elements. Consider Aesop's fable "The Tortoise and The Hare," where the slow and steady Tortoise represents perseverance triumphing over the hasty overconfidence of the Hare. Key Aspects of Allegory Allegories vary in their subtlety: Obvious Morals: Some allegories, like "The Tortoise and The Hare," overtly communicate their moral lessons. Subtle Depths: Others, however, possess intricate symbolism that may leave readers contemplating whether a double meaning was intended. Unlike simple symbolism, allegory immerses the entire narrative in its symbolic framework, affecting major characters, events, and themes. Forms and Length of Allegory Allegories come in various shapes and sizes: Historical Allegories: These use symbolism…