What is an allegory?

An allegory is a narrative that operates on two levels: the surface story and the deeper moral or political meaning that can be gleaned from it. This literary device is used to illustrate complex ideas and convey broader messages about society, morality, or human nature through symbolic figures, events, or imagery. Many classic works, such as George Orwell's "Animal Farm" or John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress," serve as examples of allegories, where the characters and their actions embody larger concepts and themes.

In contrast, narratives that focus solely on character development do not necessarily convey these deeper meanings and often center around personal growth or relationships, making that choice less suitable as a definition of allegory. A tale that simply describes events without deeper meaning lacks the essential characteristic of allegory, which thrives on nuanced interpretation. Similarly, a poem expressing personal emotions does not encompass the broader societal or moral dimensions typical of allegorical works. Therefore, the definition of an allegory accurately aligns with the idea of revealing hidden meanings, particularly those that are moral or political in nature.