Allegory

Definition

Allegory is a narrative technique in which characters, events, and details within a story symbolize deeper meanings, often moral, political, or spiritual in nature. This technique allows for complex ideas to be communicated through metaphorical storytelling, encouraging audiences to look beyond the surface and grasp underlying messages. In various forms of drama, allegory serves as a powerful tool to convey moral lessons and comment on human nature and society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Allegory was prevalent in medieval morality plays, where characters often represented virtues and vices, illustrating the struggle between good and evil.
2. In mystery plays and cycle dramas, allegorical elements were used to convey biblical stories and moral truths, making complex theological concepts more accessible to the audience.
3. The use of allegory allowed playwrights to critique social and political issues subtly, enabling them to address sensitive topics without direct confrontation.
4. Famous allegorical works include 'Everyman,' a morality play that personifies different aspects of life’s journey towards salvation.
5. Allegory not only served as entertainment but also as a means of spiritual education, guiding audiences through moral dilemmas and ethical decisions.

Review Questions

• How does the use of allegory enhance the moral teachings found in morality plays?
  • Allegory enhances the moral teachings in morality plays by allowing characters to embody specific virtues and vices, creating clear representations of ethical dilemmas. This method helps the audience understand complex moral lessons through relatable narratives. For example, in 'Everyman,' the character's journey is a representation of humanity's struggle with mortality and salvation, making abstract concepts tangible for viewers.
• Discuss how allegory is utilized in mystery plays to communicate religious themes effectively.
  • In mystery plays, allegory is employed to weave biblical narratives into accessible stories for audiences who may not be literate or familiar with scripture. Through symbolic characters and events, playwrights conveyed spiritual truths about faith, redemption, and morality. This approach made religious themes engaging and memorable while prompting reflection on one's own beliefs and actions within a Christian context.
• Evaluate the significance of allegory in reflecting social commentary within the context of early drama.
  • Allegory played a critical role in early drama as a means of social commentary by allowing playwrights to address controversial issues subtly without facing direct censorship. By using symbolic characters and events to reflect societal norms, injustices, or critiques of authority, these works could provoke thought and discussion among audiences. This dual function of entertainment and commentary not only engaged viewers but also encouraged them to reflect on their own values and the state of society.

Related terms

Symbolism:

A literary device where symbols are used to represent larger concepts or ideas, adding depth and meaning to a narrative.

Personification:

A figure of speech in which human traits and qualities are attributed to animals, inanimate objects, or abstract ideas, often used in allegorical contexts.

Didacticism:

A philosophy of teaching that emphasizes the idea that literature should instruct and inform, often present in allegorical works that aim to teach moral lessons.