Reading of Scripture that substitutes abstractions for the literal referents. (In Hebrew the equivalent term is remez, "hint.")
a literary work or visual imagery that functions on two or more levels of meaning by comparing objects to symbols outside the scope of the work. document.write('iframe src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/CNLiterature/;kword=college;sz=300x250;tile=3;ord=' + ordDart + '?" width="300" height="250" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" hspace="0" vspace="0" frameborder="0" scrolling=no borderCOLOR="#000000"'); if (navigator.userAgent.indexOf("Gecko")==-1) {document.write('script language="JavaScript" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adj/CNLiterature/;kword=college;sz=300x250;abr=!ie;tile=3;ord=' + ordDart + '?" type="text/javascript"\/script'); } document.write('/iframe');
(OALD)[U][C] (style of a) story, painting or description in which the characters and events are meant as symbols of purity, truth, patience, etc.
a play in which people, things, and happenings have another meaning. Example: "Dansen," an allegory by Bertolt Brecht, translated by Rose and Martin Kastner, 2m.
11,12 A metaphorical narrative in prose or verse in which fictional figures and actions usually represent truths or generalizations about human existence.
a symbolic representation
Story meant to express observations or truths about human existence. Individuals usually stand for humanity as a whole or for whole classes of people. Personified ideals may appear as characters, and particulars often symbolize more general concepts.
In the NT, typically a story in which truth or reality is represented symbolically through fictitious or idealized characters and situations. Jesus' parables are often allegorical in nature, and the book of Revelation, with its symbolic dream sequences and mythological monsters, is often interpreted allegorically. Such sayings/writings are intended to be interpreted figuratively, and can lead to misunderstanding when interpreted literally.
(literary term) an extended metaphor which often involves characterizing individuals and/or events at representing ideas such as Truth, Beauty, Life and Death.
A story in which people, things, and events have another meaning. Examples of allegory are Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, Spenser's Faerie Queene, and Orwell's Animal Farm.
A story or visual image with a second distinct meaning partially hidden behind its literal or visible meaning.
a pictorial device in which characters or events stand for abstract ideas or principles, enabling what is represented to suggest deeper symbolic meanings; e.g., employed in the masterpieces by Botticelli and Vermeer.
a (usually) narrative description in which persons, places, and things appear in a sustained system of equivalents
Symbolic representation of abstract ideas, by means of allusive figures, fictitious persons and imaginary beings or objects.
a narrative wherein abstractions are made concrete for the purpose of communicating a moral
a short moral story (often with animal characters)
a visible symbol representing an abstract idea
an expressive style that uses fictional characters and events to describe some subject by suggestive resemblances; an extended metaphor
a concrete representation of an abstract idea or concept
a concrete representation of an idea or concept in a direct, one-to-one relationship
a depiction representing an abstract concept or idea
a description of one thing by using an image of another
a fictional story in which the characters or events are used in place of other figures or events
a figurative speech, wherein one thing is expressed, and another intended
a figure of speech (in rhetoric) or a story (in literature) in which an external object is described in such a way that we apply the description to our own inner experience
a form of extended metaphor in which objects, persons, and actions in a narrative have an underlying meaning, often involving social, political or religious criticism
a literary device in which an author uses the form of a person, place, or animal to represent an abstract idea
a meaning somewhat arbitrarily imposed upon an act or object, and thus the object leads us to some other reality only because we ourselves attach to it a signification that does not arise from the thing itself
a method of representation in which a person, abstract idea, or event stands for itself and for something else
an abstract representation of principals or ideas through the use of characters, figures or events
a narrative constructed by representing general concepts (Sin, Despair, and God) as persons
a narrative containing a double meaning, a literal rendering, and at the same time a spiritual allusion
a narrative in which all (or most) of the events, locales, and characters correspond systematically to the events and characters in a completely different context
a narrative in which the characters and events can be read both literally and figuratively
a narrative or visual description of one subject under the guise of another
a narrative related for the purpose of representing a higher truth
a narrative technique in which symbolic characters or actions are used to convey a message or teach a lesson
an extended metaphor, a story in which fictionalized characters and events stand for other people, things, events, or ideas
an extended metaphor, especially a story in which fictional characters and actions are used to understand and express aspects of concepts relating to human existence
an extended metaphor that goes through a whole narrative
an extended simile in narrative form with a point for point meaning to be drawn from each of its parts
an intentionally-obvious retelling of a story everyone knows, such as Adam and Eve , or a "story" from history, like Russian communism
a parabolic method of conveying instruction, spiritual truths being set forth under material figures
a purposely false story , i
a story consisting of a series of incidents which are analogous to a parallel series of happenings that they are intended to illustrate
a story illustrating an idea or a morale principal
a story in which all or at least many points illustrate something
a story in which objects, persons and actions in the story represent ideas that have meaning outside of the story
a story in which one thing is used to represent another thing
a story in which people, places, and things have a meaning quite different from and unrelated to their surface meaning
a story in which the main features are symbols of something else
a story that is created to portray a spiritual truth and it can be taken literally with the details pressed for meaning
a story that is usually not true to life and may be considered to be an extended metaphor (see below)
a story that uses character types to represent specific ideas and create a universal message
a story that uses its characters as symbols to show a deeper meaning for the reader to interpret
a story told through symbols, or an idea so expressed
a story where one symbol in the novel has a
a story where people, things or happenings have a hidden or symbolic meaning
a story which actually represents something else - the best example i can think of for this is George Orwell's Animal Farm where the story of the pigs is allegoric to the communists in Russia
a story which has a hidden meaning corresponding to almost all of its details
a story which has hidden or symbolic meanings
a story which mirrors reality
a story whose characters, events or setting represent another meaning, often an abstract meaning
a surface story (the story you actually read or see on screen) that metaphorically tells a hidden story
a symbolic story in which characters and events stand for abstract concepts, not meant to be taken literally
a truth, doctrine, idea, ideal, etc
a truth, doctrine, idea, ideal, ete
a visible story (the surface story) that symbolically tells an invisible story (the hidden story)
a writing in which abstract ideas are personified, conveying a different meaning from that which is expressed, so that it becomes a continuing metaphor
A narrative technique in which the characters are portrayed as things or concepts in order to convey a message. Usually used for satirical or political purposes.
A tale with one or many metaphors standing for other ideas and images.
the representation of incidents, scenes, or characters in a way that evokes a dual interest, providing both aesthetic enjoyment and a deeper intellectual interpretation.
Sustained metaphor in narrative poetry such that the reader can discern two stories: a literal level of storytelling (knight slays dragon, for example) and a level of symbolism (good slays evil). The latter story or meaning lies outside the narrative. William Langland wrote allegory in Piers Plowman, as did Edmund Spenser in The Faerie Queene. See also metaphor, figurative language, symbolism.
the symbolic representation of truths about human traits and existence
A story or picture that has a symbolic spiritual or poetic meaning.
An image or story that refers to a related or overarching concept such as good or evil.
A narrative in which the characters and episodes stand metaphorically for something else, usually in spiritual or political contexts, such as Dante's Divine Comedy (1321), Wu Cheng'en's Journey to the West (1590s) and George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949).
A mode of speech, generally narrative in form, where persons, places, objects, and events have symbolic meanings. John Bunyan's book, Pilgrim's Progress is an allegory of the Christian life. During the middle ages it was common to think that the Bible was allegory, and that objects had symbolic meanings. The allegorical interpretation of scripture has generally been rejected since the time of the Reformation.
A dramatic or artistic device in which the superficial sense is accompanied by a deeper or more profound meaning.
A figurative work in which a surface narrative carries a secondary, symbolic or metaphorical meaning. In The Faerie Queene, for example, Red Cross Knight is a heroic knight in the literal narrative, but also a figure representing Everyman in the Christian journey. Many works contain allegories or are allegorical in part, but not many are entirely allegorical. A good example of a fully allegorical work is. Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene The letter - Ballad Opera: English comic opera, usually featuring spoken dialogue alternating with songs set to popular tunes; also called dialogue opera.
Allegory is taken from the Greek word allegoria, meaning to “speak otherwise.†Allegory is generally an extended metaphor in the form of a story or poem that has a literal meaning and a meaning that is derived from outside the narrative itself. Allegory will often employ symbolism, personification, and typical characters. Characters in allegory usually represent abstract qualities or virtues whose actions convey a significance often unrelated to the literal narrative. These allegorical meanings may represent political, personal, or satiric ideas, but mostly the religious relating to the scriptures within medieval allegory.
The representation in a work of art of an abstract concept or idea using specific objects or human figures.
(From the greek=allegoria) - A metaphor, a tale or story used to ilustrate a point.
Prose or verse in which the objects, events or people are presented symbolically, so that the story conveys a meaning other than and deeper than the actual incident or characters described. Often, the form is used to teach a moral lesson.
A poem in which the characters or descriptions convey a hidden symbolic or moral message. For example, the various knights in The Faerie Queene by Edmund Spenser are allegorical representations of virtues such as truth, friendship and justice. Another example of allegory is Absalom and Achitophel by Dryden. In this poem Dryden uses a biblical scheme to satirise some of the leading political figures of his day including the Earl of Shaftesbury (Achitophel) and the Duke of Monmouth (Absalom).
Art in which the subject represents an underlying idea or an abstract quality taken from a religious, historical, or literary source.
narrative technique in which character s representing things or abstract ideas are used to convey a message or teach a lesson. Allegory is typically used to teach moral, ethical, or religious lessons but is sometimes used for satiric or political purposes. Examples of allegorical works include Edmund Spenser's The Faerie Queene and John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress. (See also Exemplum and Fable.)
A narrative technique in which characters represent things or abstract concepts in order to convey a message or teach a lesson. Usually used to teach moral, ethical, or religious lessons but sometimes used for satiric or political purposes.
A story filled with symbolism illustrating a spiritual reality beyond the actual historical event being described. In the ancient Church, scholars of the School of Alexandria tended to consider many incidents in the Bible as allegorical, whereas the School of Antioch practiced a more historical approach to Scripture. Although Scripture contains some pure allegory (some parables of Christ, portions of Revelation), overemphasis on allegory may tend to de-emphasize or even deny the historicity of Holy Scripture. On the other hand, a denial of allegory robs the Scriptures of their deeper meaning. It is possible for a story to be both historical and allegorical. The majority of Church Fathers combined both elements in interpreting the Bible. See Luke 15:4-7; Gal. 4:21-26. See also TYPE.
a narrative or image in which the characters and events stand for certain virtues, vices, or ideas.
there are a number of mysterious, allegorical figures which appear in the Iliad, characters with names such as "Terror," "Fear," and "Hate;" these figures seem to be personified emotions, names which represent the emotional forces at work in the individuals and events described in the Iliad; allegory is a literary device in which characters and events are used by a writer to teach or illustrate something, such as a moral or religious principle; in these cases Homer seems to be illustrating the destructive force of negative emotions
work of art that treats one subject in the guise of another. An allegoric photograph usually illustrates a subject that embodies a moral "inner meaning".
A story in which people, things, and actions represent an idea or generalization about life; allegories often have a strong moral or lesson. See Symbol, Symbolism
A literary work where the SETTING, CHARACTERS or ACTION make sense on a literal level, but also convey an abstract level of meaning, which is usually religious or political in nature. Unlike METAPHORS and SYMBOLS, an allegorical setting, character or action is one-dimensional: it stands for only one thing. Parables, fables and satires are all forms of allegory. For example, the CHARACTER Christian in John Bunyan's allegory Pilgrim's Progress stands for the human soul; the animals in Aesop's fables stand for moral virtues and vices such as persistence and greed; and the animals in George Orwell's satiric novel Animal Farm stand for political ideologies.
as in metaphor, one thing (usually nonrational, abstract, religious) is implicitly spoken of in terms of something concrete, but in an allegory the comparison is extended to include an entire work or large portion of a work.
The presentation of a subject under the guise of another suggestively similar.
a symbolic system in a narrative that allows it to generate a second level of meaning, which develops in tandem with the primary narrative. The symbolic system may refer to myth, a historic figure, an earlier narrative, or an abstract idea. The reader understands early on that interpretive possibilities are limited by this structure. Spenser's The Faerie Queen, Swift's Gulliver's Travels, and Orwell's 1984 are well-known allegories.
n. The setting forth of a subject under the guise of another subject of aptly suggestive likeness.
A work that has a literal meaning and a subtext that is symbolic, used particularly as a way of commenting about political or moral ideas or people.
story describing a subject in veiled form, under the guise of a similar subject. More self-conscious than myth.
An image, mythical figure, or story that refers to something else entirely--usually large concepts such as good and evil or comments on the human condition.
An extended metaphor that presents a subject (a moral, and idea, etc.) disguised as something else (characters, landscape, etc). A famous example is The Allegory of the Cave, in which Plato used a story about prisoners in a cave to interpret ordinary objects.
describes any writing in verse or prose that has a double meaning. This narrative acts as an extended metaphor in which persons, abstract ideas, or events represent not only themselves on the literal level, but they also stand for something else on the symbolic level. An allegorical reading usually involves moral or spiritual concepts that may be more significant than the actual, literal events described in a narrative. Typically, an allegory involves the interaction of multiple symbols, which together create a moral, spiritual, or even political meaning. Authors often use allegories to present a moral to the reader, or discuss issues that would normally be hard to write about because of its content. Example: An allegory for Huckleberry Finn (Twain) could be anti-slavery.
An object or scene that is associated with a certain event or time of year. (ie. Grapes are allegorical of autumn for that is when they are harvested.) Used also in mythology to symbolize a god, (ie. Grapes symbolize Bacchus etc)
a story in which characters represent abstract qualities or ideas.
The use of SYMBOLS and allusions in literature and the visual arts to give a work secondary meaning. This device was used by Greek painters and was widely used during the RENAISSANCE, Mannerist, and BAROQUE periods.
A particular image represents a specific assigned concept or abstraction.
A literary device in which characters and events stand for abstract ideas, principles, or forces, so that the literal sense has or suggests a parallel, deeper symbolic sense. See Chapter 16.
a narrative in which abstractions (ideas) are made concrete; characters stand for principles, attitudes, etc.
a figurative device in which abstractions are personified as individual characters. Common in medieval poetry.
The representation of abstract ideas, storylines or principles by using design characteristics, structures, statuary, or landscape embellishments portrayed in a narrative sequence of experiences or landscape vistas.
a universal symbol or personified abstraction. Example: Death portrayed as a cloaked "grim reaper" with scythe and hourglass, or Justice depicted as a blindfolded figure with a sword and balances. Also a literary work or genre (e.g., John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress) that makes widespread use of such devices.
Refers to an extended narrative (can be a poem or prose narrative) in which the characters and actions, and sometimes the setting as well, are contrived to make coherent sense on the "literal" level and at the same time to signify a second, correlated order of characters, concepts and events. In other words, an allegory carries a second meaning along with its surface story. There are two main types of allegories: 1. Historical and political allegory - in which the characters and actions that are signified literally represent, or "allegorize" historical personages and events. 2. The allegory of ideas, in which the literal characters represent abstract concepts and the plot exemplifies a doctrine or thesis. For example, Edmund Spenser's The Faerie Queene is said to be a political, religious and moral allegory.
An allegory (from Greek , "other", and , agoreuein, "to speak in public") is a figurative mode of representation conveying a meaning other than the literal.