allegory
/'æligəri/
Học thuậtThân thiện
An allegory can be a story where animals represent different human qualities.
Definition
- Noun:
- An expressive style that uses fictional characters and events to describe some subject by suggestive resemblances; an extended metaphor: A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.
- A visible symbol representing an abstract idea: A symbol or emblem.
- A short moral story (often with animal characters): A fable or parable.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- George Orwell's "Animal Farm" is a famous allegory about the Russian Revolution.
- In medieval art, the lamb is often used as an allegory for Christ.
- Aesop's Fables are classic examples of the allegory form, teaching lessons through animal tales.
Advanced Usage
"To read something as an allegory": To interpret a work of art or literature as having a symbolic, hidden meaning.
- Many critics read the novel as an allegory for the struggle between good and evil.
"Political/religious allegory": An allegory with a specific thematic focus.
- The film is a powerful political allegory for modern society.
Variants and Related Words
Allegorical (adj): Having the characteristics of an allegory; symbolic.
- The painting's allegorical figures represent Justice and Mercy.
Allegorize (verb): To interpret or represent something in an allegorical way.
- The poet chose to allegorize the concept of time.
Synonyms
- Parable: A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson.
- Fable: A short story, typically with animals as characters, conveying a moral.
- Symbol: A thing that represents or stands for something else.
Related Phrases
"An allegory of...": Used to specify what the allegory represents.
- The story is an allegory of the human condition.
"In allegorical terms": Expressed through or using allegory.
- The author described the battle in allegorical terms.
Related Idioms
- "A living allegory": A person or thing that perfectly embodies or represents an abstract idea.
- To many, her selfless life was a living allegory of charity.
An allegory can be a story where animals represent different human qualities.
Noun
- an expressive style that uses fictional characters and events to describe some subject by suggestive resemblances; an extended metaphor
- a visible symbol representing an abstract idea
- a short moral story (often with animal characters)