Allegory
Definition
An allegory is a narrative, whether in prose or verse, in which a character, place or event is used to deliver a broader message about real-world issues and occurrences. Allegory (from the Greek allos, meaning 'other', and agoreuein, 'to speak in public') is a form of extended metaphor, in which objects, persons, and actions in a narrative, are equated with the meanings that lie outside the narrative itself. The underlying meaning has moral, social, religious, or political significance, and characters are often personifications of abstract ideas such as charity, greed, or envy.
Historical Overview
The concept of allegory has been prevalent in literature and art throughout history. Ancient cultures such as the Egyptians and Greeks used allegory in their hieroglyphics and myths, respectively. The Greeks, in particular, used allegory to personify abstract concepts such as wisdom and justice, often in the form of gods and goddesses.
In the Middle Ages, allegory became a primary literary form used to moralize and spiritualize secular events. The most famous example from this period is Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy, an allegorical journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven.
The Renaissance period saw a resurgence of allegory, both in literature and in visual art. Artists like Hieronymus Bosch and Pieter Bruegel the Elder used allegory to comment on the moral and social issues of their time.
In modern times, allegory is often used in novels, plays, and films to explore complex ideas and themes. Examples include George Orwell's Animal Farm, a critique of totalitarianism, and Arthur Miller's The Crucible, an allegory for McCarthyism.
Types of Allegory
There are several types of allegory, including political, religious, and historical allegory.
Political Allegory
Political allegory is a narrative that represents a political situation or event. This type of allegory often uses characters and events to symbolize real-world political figures and situations. An example of political allegory is George Orwell's 1984, which uses a dystopian society to critique totalitarian regimes.
Religious Allegory
Religious allegory uses characters and events to convey spiritual truths. This type of allegory often involves a journey or quest, and the characters and events encountered along the way represent spiritual concepts. An example of religious allegory is John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress, which depicts the protagonist's journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City as a metaphor for the Christian journey towards salvation.
Historical Allegory
Historical allegory uses characters and events to represent historical events or periods. This type of allegory often uses a fictional narrative to comment on or critique historical events. An example of historical allegory is Arthur Miller's The Crucible, which uses the Salem witch trials as an allegory for the McCarthy era.
Allegory in Literature
Allegory is a common device in literature, where it is used to convey complex ideas and themes in an accessible way. Allegorical literature includes fables, parables, and apocalypses, which are often short narratives with a moral or religious theme.
Fables
A fable is a short narrative, typically with animals as characters, conveying a moral. The most famous collection of fables is Aesop's Fables, which include "The Tortoise and the Hare" and "The Boy Who Cried Wolf."
Parables
A parable is a brief narrative that illustrates a moral or religious lesson. Parables are often used in religious texts, such as the parables of Jesus in the New Testament.
Apocalypses
An apocalypse is a revelation of something hidden. In religious context, it is a revelation of hidden meaning, accessible only to the enlightened. The Book of Revelation in the New Testament is an example of an apocalypse.
Allegory in Visual Art
Allegory is also a common device in visual art, where it is used to represent abstract ideas in a concrete form. Allegorical art often involves personifications of abstract concepts, such as Liberty or Justice, and can be found in many different cultures and periods.
In Western art, allegory is often associated with the medieval and Renaissance periods, when artists used it to depict complex philosophical and theological ideas. However, allegory can also be found in modern and contemporary art, where it is often used to critique social and political issues.