Allegory: Definition, Types, and Examples

Allegory: Definition and Types Allegory is a literary device in which events, actions, characters, settings, or objects represent specific abstractions or ideas. It operates on two levels: the surface narrative, which is a standalone work, and the deeper emphasis on the abstract ideals represented by the work's elements. While many allegories aim to provide moral, ethical, or religious lessons, not all have this goal. Types of Allegory There are four major types of allegories: Classical Allegory: Stories from ancient Greece that use animals and objects to teach lessons about human existence. Plato's "Allegory of the Cave" is a prime example. Biblical Allegory: Stories in the Bible conveying Christian teachings and themes, often involving the struggle between good and evil. Medieval Allegory: Works portraying unity in Christianity and conveying moral lessons. Modern Allegory: Contemporary stories using animals and elements to represent modern themes. Examples include "T…