8 examples of ALLEGORY

the allegory It is a rhetorical figure that expresses a concept through metaphorical images. Rhetorical figures help the writer to express emotions that directly impact the reader's sensitivity. That is why it is so important to know each of the rhetorical figures and know how you should use them, before starting to write your own poetry.

In this lesson of a PROFESSOR we want to give you some examples of allegory and explain exactly what this figure of speech is, so you can start adding it to your writing.

the allegory it's a literary resource which consists of the representation of meaning in symbolic form. The origin of this word is found in Latin allegory, that we can translate it literally as "to speak figuratively".

This literary figure represents a extended metaphor, that is, a comparison in a figurative sense that extends throughout the entire text. On some occasions in which allegories describe concepts through human attributes and traits, we may think that we are dealing with a personification or prosopopoeia.

• For example: An example of an allegory could be the personification of love as a winged child who shoots arrows blindfolded.
• Another example: Another example could be justice represented as a blindfolded woman who carries scales and a sword in her hands.

The allegory, therefore, consists in put aside the literal meaning of words, to give them a new figurative one. An abstract concept is represented through metaphorical images, implying something different from what the letters say on paper. It usually represents universal ideas.

Allegories are texts that describe a generic and universal concept., so they can be hard to find in the texts. So, we want to leave you with some examples of allegories, so that you can see how these concepts are used and begin to add the rhetorical figure in your writings.

Allegory of the cave, by Plato

the allegory of the Plato's cave It tells us about the relationship that exists between the human being and the limited knowledge of him. Through this text, the philosopher explained that people capture the two worlds that exist, according to his theory: the intelligible and the sensible. The sensible world is perceived through the senses and the intelligible world is outside the cave, where good is represented by the figure of the sun.

literary spring

Spring It is an example that comes to symbolize youth and the good time of life. In many literary works this image is used, without even explaining its meaning, but as a universal concept that everyone should be able to understand.

The Divine Comedy

The Divine Comedyis a poem by Dante Alighieri, which he composed during the 14th century. This work is characterized by a language full of symbols and is considered one of the greatest allegories. The plot of the book tells us about the journey that Dante faces, guided by Virgil, until he finds his identity. Dante goes through hell, which symbolizes despair; then by purgatory, which represents hope; and finally reaches paradise, symbol of salvation.

Rebelion on the farm

This satirical work of English author George Orwell, talks about how Stalin's Soviet regime is capable of corrupting the socialist system. It is an idea that is transmitted to the reader in a very pleasant way, through animals that live on a farm and that expel tyrannical men. These animals create their own system of government, which ultimately ends up being a terrible tyranny, worse than what they had before.

Cultivate a white rose

Cultivate a white rose is a poem by José Martí in which the entire text is an allegory of friendship and the value it has for the author. According to him, friendship should only be offered to sincere and kind people. The white rose of which he speaks is friendship itself, which needs all the attention and care of the gardener, to stay alive and fresh.

Autumn song in spring

Autumn song in spring is a poem by Rubén Darío that describes, through an extensive allegory, a situation of love and disappointment that he experienced in the past, with love affairs from a long time ago. It represents the constant emotion in which someone who misses their past and the experiences lived in the past is found. This past is being explained from a present and with a more mature point of view.

Now you know some examples of allegories and you know how to use this figure of speech. If you want to continue learning more about this topic or a related one, do not hesitate to consult our writing section, where we will give you the best advice so that your texts are quality.