Allegory
Literary term · say it AL-uh-guh-ree
An allegory is a story in which characters, places, and events stand for wider ideas, such as justice, faith, or power. Its connected meanings let readers follow both the events themselves and a larger moral, religious, or political message.
Two common kinds of allegory
Moral or religious allegory
The story presents choices about right and wrong, or a journey of faith, through people and places that stand for ideas.
In The Pilgrim's Progress, Christian and Hopeful are imprisoned by Giant Despair in Doubting Castle. Their captivity turns a struggle with despair and doubt into a physical danger.
In The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan
Political allegory
The story's conflicts and groups stand for political struggles, institutions, or abuses of power.
In Gulliver's Travels, Gulliver learns that Lilliput's rival political groups are divided by the height of their shoe heels. Their rivalry points to party divisions in British politics.
In Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift
How to spot allegory
- Look for characters or places named after ideas or qualities.
- Check whether several story details point to a connected meaning beyond the plot.
- Ask what moral, religious, or political struggle the events might represent.
What is the difference between allegory and symbolism?
Allegory links characters and events into a larger pattern of meaning, while symbolism can involve just one meaningful object or detail. A storm might symbolize trouble without making the whole story an allegory.
Does every detail in an allegory have a hidden meaning?
No, not every detail in an allegory needs a separate hidden meaning. Some details simply help the story move or make its setting feel real. Look for a pattern supported by several details rather than forcing every object into a code.
Related terms
Books where you can see Allegory
200,000+ classics to read and hear, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
