Understanding Allegory and Symbolism

What is an allegory?

• A story where characters, settings, and actions represent something beyond their literal meaning.

• A literary device where an object or idea represents another.

• A narrative that only has a literal meaning.

• A type of symbolism used in poetry.

What is one type of allegory?

• Characters and settings represent historical figures and events.

• Characters and settings represent abstract ideas or moral qualities.

• Characters and settings represent only themselves.

• Characters and settings represent only natural talents.

What is another type of allegory?

• Characters and situations represent fictional events.

• Characters and situations represent abstract ideas.

• Characters and situations represent historical figures and events.

• Characters and situations represent only moral qualities.

On what two levels can an allegory be read?

• Historical and fictional.

• Simple and complex.

• Literal or straightforward, and symbolic or allegorical.

• Moral and immoral.

What is the primary difference between an allegory and symbolism?

• Allegory is a single object, while symbolism is an entire story.

• Allegory is the entire narrative, while symbolism is smaller and its meaning can change.

• Symbolism is always historical, while allegory is always abstract.

• Allegory is used to teach a moral lesson, while symbolism is not.