Understanding Allegory and Symbolism in Literature

What is allegory?

A literary device that uses a story to expound on a deeper meaning, combining literal meaning with hidden meaning.

What are the two main uses of allegory?

Historical allegory and conceptual allegory.

What is historical allegory?

It tells us about actual historical events or people through the lens of another story, providing socio-political commentary.

Give an example of historical allegory.

Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels, which criticizes British politics.

What is conceptual allegory?

It tells us about morality, philosophy, or an abstract concept through a story.

Give an example of conceptual allegory.

The Faerie Queene by Edmund Spenser, which uses Knights to exemplify various virtues.

What are the types of allegories?

Religious, classical, and modern allegories.

What is religious allegory?

Stories within a religious text that teach specific lessons, often contrasting good vs. evil.

What is classical allegory?

Allegories that emerged from Greece or Rome during the classical period, such as Aesop's Fables.

What is modern allegory?

Allegories that take modern concepts and issues and use another story to convey lessons in an engaging way.

What is symbolism in literature?

A literary device that uses a person, object, word, or situation to represent something else.

What is color symbolism?

Using colors to represent ideas or concepts, often carrying cultural or emotional meanings.

Give an example of color symbolism.

The use of the color red in 'The Shining' to evoke emotions.

What is character symbolism?

Using symbols to represent a character's traits or growth in a story.

Give an example of character symbolism.

In Forrest Gump, a feather represents Forrest's life journey.

What is religious symbolism?

Using religious symbols or allusions to enhance the spiritual significance of narratives.

Give an example of religious symbolism.

The Chronicles of Narnia, which is full of Christian symbolism.

What is nature symbolism?

Using natural elements as repeated symbols to represent deeper meanings or emotions.

Give an example of nature symbolism.

Pride Rock as a symbol of strength and power in The Lion King.

What is animal symbolism?

Using animals to convey deeper meanings and explore themes.

Give an example of animal symbolism.

In George Orwell's Animal Farm, pigs represent the exploitative ruling class.

What is object symbolism?

Assigning meaning to everyday objects to add depth to narratives.

Give examples of object symbolism.

The green light in The Great Gatsby, The One Ring in Lord of the Rings, and the mockingjay in The Hunger Games.