Allegory
Allegory is figure of speech In which abstract ideas and principles are described in terms of characters, figures, and events. It is employed in prose and poetry to tell a story, with a purpose of teaching or explaining a thought or a principle. the target of its use is to show some quite an ethical lesson.
Difference Between Allegory and Symbolism
Although an allegory uses symbols, it is different from symbolism. An allegory is a complete narrative that involves characters and events that represent an abstract idea or event. A symbol, on the opposite hand, is an object that stands for an additional object, giving it a specific meaning. Unlike allegory, symbolism doesn't tell a story. for instance , Plato, in his Allegory of Cave, tells a story of how some people are ignorant, while at the same time people “see the light.” Plato’s allegory stands for an idea and doesn't tell an actual story.
Example -1:
Animal Farm (By George Orwell)
Animal Farm, written by Orwell , is an allegory that uses animals on a farm to explain the overthrow of the last Russian Tsar, Nicholas II , and therefore the Communist Revolution of Russia before WW I. The actions of the animals on the farm are used to expose the greed and corruption of the revolution. It also describes how powerful people can change the ideology of a society. one of the cardinal rules on the farm is this:
“All animals are equal but a few are more equal than others.”
The animals on the farm represent different sections of Russian society after the revolution.
For instance, the pigs represent those who came to power following the revolution; “Mr. Jones,” the owner of the farm, represents the overthrown Tsar Nicholas II; while “Boxer” the horse, represents the laborer class. the utilization of allegory in the novel allows Orwell to make his position clear about the Russian Revolution and expose its evils.
Example -2:
Faerie Queen (By Edmund Spenser)
Faerie Queen, a masterpiece of Spenser , is a moral and non secular allegory.
The good characters of book represent the varied virtues, while the bad characters represent vices. “The Red-Cross Knight” represents holiness, and “Lady Una” represents truth, wisdom, and goodness. Her parents symbolize the human race. The “Dragon,” which has imprisoned them, stands for evil.
The mission of holiness is to assist the reality fight evil, and thus regain its rightful place in the hearts of human beings. “The Red-Cross Knight” in this poem also represents the reformed church of England, fighting against the “Dragon,” which stands for the Papacy or the Catholic Church .
Example -3:
Pilgrim’s Progress (By John Bunyan)
John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress is an example of spiritual allegory. the ordinary sinner, Christian, leaves the town of Destruction, and travels towards Celestial City , where God resides, for salvation. He finds Faithful, a companion who helps him on his thanks to the town . On many instances, many characters, including Hypocrisy, Apollyon, Mr. Worldly Wiseman, Obstinate, and Pliable attempt to discourage or stop him from achieving his aim. Finally, he reaches the Celestial City , carried by Hopeful’s faith.
The moral learned through this allegory is that the road to Heaven isn't easy, and it's filled with obstacles. A Christian has got to be willing to pay any price to achieve salvation. a person is filled with sins, but this doesn't stop him from achieving glory.