An Allegory is a work with two levels of meaning, a literal
one and a symbolic one. In such a work,
most of the characters, objects, settings, and events represent abstract
qualities. Personification is often used
in traditional allegories. As in a fable
or parable, the purpose of an allegory may be to convey truths about life, to
teach religious or moral lessons, or to criticize social institutions.
Example:
The best-known allegory in the
English language is John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. Christian, the hero of Bunyan’s work,
represents all people. Other allegorical
characters include Mr. Worldly Wiseman, Faithful, and Hopeful. The allegory traces Christian’s efforts to
achieve a godly life.
