Allegory Definition and Examples

When studying allegorical texts, it is important that students understand the concept as a foundation for the reading. Since an allegory's purpose is to convey a deeper, symbolic meaning, students must be able to define the term and spot the references in the work of literature. This following lesson plan is a resource to help teachers and students understand the concept.

Our Recommended Lesson Plan

Overview of the Lesson:

What is an allegory, and how can its deeper meaning be explored? Teach students this literary element and ask them to think deeply about ways an allegory can affect the work as a whole.

Allegory Definition

A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one

Allegories are works of literature written as a single, unified, rhetorical device. They represent abstract ideas and principles using concrete characters, figures, and events. Allegories can come in many forms: plays, poetry, music, novels, etc. They tell a story and convey an idea or a principle at the same time; their main objectives are often to teach a moral lesson. Although allegories use symbols, they are distinct from "symbolism", and are best thought of as a very complex metaphor. Allegories are an entirely symbolic work, meaning everything throughout the story - characters, events, and locations - is designed to portray an abstract idea.

Examples of Allegory in Literature

The Crucible

Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible, was written during the 1950s as an allegory of McCarthyism and the "Red Scare". During this time in America, people were falsely accused of being members of the Communist party. The Crucible is set in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692, and focused on the community that engaged in witch hunts. Much like the Red Scare, the people of Salem soon found that no one was safe, as people were naming names just to save themselves.

Animal Farm

Animal Farm was written specifically to represent Communism in Soviet Russia. The author, George Orwell, uses animals on a farm to depict the coup d’état of Russian Tsar Nicholas II, which led to the Communist Revolution in Russia before WWII. The animals represent the greed and corruption of the revolution while showing how those in power can change the ideology of a nation. As a guiding principle, the animals write: “All animals are equal.” This is later corrupted by the amendment: “But some animals are more equal than others.” Orwell's purpose in writing the novel as an allegory was to convey his beliefs about the Russian Revolution.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

This famous allegory by C.S. Lewis is full of religious symbolism. Lewis, a devout Christian, said he did not plan on using the Narnia books to push his religious ideology, however, the parallels are clear, and it has a large Christian following. The lion, Aslan, is a Christ-like figure who rises from the dead. Under this reading, Edmund, who betrays Aslan, is like Judas, and the White Witch who tempts Edmund, corresponds to the Devil.

Time: 45 Minutes
Grade Level: 8-12

Standards

Although this lesson can be used for multiple grade levels, below are Common Core State Standards for Grades 9-10. Please see your Common Core State Standards for the correct grade-appropriate strands.

• ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.1: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text
• ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.3: Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme
• ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task
• ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.5: Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., textual, graphical, audio, visual, and interactive elements) in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest

Lesson Specific Essential Questions

1. What tools or methods can an author use represent a deeper meaning?
2. Can you differentiate the different types of symbolism in a work of literature?
3. How does an allegory imply a stronger meaning than a simple statement?

Objectives

Students will be able to define and understand allegory and differentiate it from other types of symbolic representation in literature.

Instructional Tips/Strategies/Suggestions for Teacher

Be specific when asking students to create a storyboard that explains the allegory in a work of literature. Make sure that students include examples, and explanations of these examples, to back up their claim. If they are doing this, a project that requires students download their storyboards as a PowerPoint is a perfect way for them to explain each cell.

Lesson Details/Procedure

Lesson Opening

Activator: Using the Examples of Allegory in Literature storyboard, along with a definition of allegory, go over the examples as a class. Periodically stop to check for clarification or see if students have examples they know. Once you have gone through what an allegory is and how to distinguish it from symbolism, discuss your current novel and the central idea.

Lesson Activity

After going over the term, decide whether you would like students to pair together or complete a storyboard individually. Using Storyboard That they can create a storyboard depicting different parts of the work and compare it with the allegorical reference. Try starting with this template.

Related Activities

Check out these allegory activities from our guides on The Masque of the Red Death, Dante's Inferno, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Lesson Extension

After students have finished creating their master storyboard, consider having students present their ideas to each other. Using the slideshow or PowerPoint feature is a great way to cap off the lesson. Check out our lessons on how having students put together a presentation will help them further master identifying allegories.

Frequently Asked Questions about Allegories

What is the difference between an allegory and a metaphor?

An allegory is a narrative that uses symbols to represent abstract concepts, while a metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two things to create a new meaning. While both allegory and metaphor use symbolism, allegories typically involve a more extended and complex set of symbols and are often structured as a complete narrative.

What are some common themes in allegories?

Common themes in allegories include moral lessons, social or political commentary, and religious or philosophical concepts. For example, George Orwell's Animal Farm is an allegory for the Russian Revolution and Stalinist era, using the animal characters to satirize political corruption and propaganda.

How can analyzing an allegory help readers develop critical thinking skills?

Analyzing an allegory requires readers to identify the symbols and their underlying meanings, as well as consider how these symbols work together to convey a larger message. This process encourages readers to think deeply about complex ideas, make connections between different parts of the story, and draw conclusions about the author's intended meaning.