Allegory vs. Symbolism — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 20, 2023
Allegory is a narrative with a deeper meaning, using characters or events symbolically, while Symbolism employs symbols to represent ideas or qualities.
Difference Between Allegory and Symbolism
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Allegory and Symbolism both delve into the representation of abstract ideas, but they achieve this in differing manners. While allegory utilizes characters, events, or settings to represent broader themes or messages, symbolism employs specific symbols to convey deeper meanings.
An Allegory is often more extensive, often spanning an entire narrative, poem, or story. This comprehensive narrative conveys a deeper, symbolic meaning. On the other hand, Symbolism can be more fleeting, using an object, person, or situation to signify a broader concept without the necessity of a long narrative.
In literature, Allegory often has a didactic intent, intending to teach or instruct through its narrative. For example, a story about animals in a farm might represent political ideologies. Meanwhile, Symbolism can be subtler, letting readers draw their own interpretations from symbols.
Allegory often requires a more deliberate reading to decipher the broader meaning embedded within the narrative. Symbolism, in contrast, offers a more immediate connection between the symbol and its represented idea, though interpretations can vary based on context.
Authors use Allegory to provide layered meanings to their stories, enabling readers to interpret them on multiple levels. Symbolism allows authors to infuse deeper meanings into specific elements, enhancing the richness of the narrative.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A narrative representing broader themes.
Use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.
Scope
Often spans an entire narrative.
Can be a single object, person, or situation.
Purpose
Often didactic, intending to teach.
To imbue deeper meanings to elements.
Interpretation
Requires deciphering the broader meaning.
Direct connection between symbol and idea.
Examples
"Animal Farm" by George Orwell.
The dove as a symbol of peace.
Compare with Definitions
Allegory
Extended Metaphor: A sustained comparison in a narrative.
The novel's allegory drew a parallel between society and a beehive.
Symbolism
Emblematic: Serving as a symbol.
The flag's stars and stripes are rich in symbolism.
Allegory
Moral or Political Lesson: A narrative aimed at teaching.
The allegory was a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power.
Symbolism
Enhancing Narratives: Introducing depth to stories.
The recurring river symbolism added depth to the novel's themes.
Allegory
Layered Meaning: A story with multiple levels of understanding.
Beneath the surface story, the allegory revealed deep philosophical insights.
Symbolism
Abstract Representation: Depicting intangible concepts.
The broken mirror was a clear symbolism of shattered hopes.
Allegory
Symbolic Characters or Events: Uses characters/events to represent broader ideas.
The characters in the allegory stood for various virtues and vices.
Symbolism
Representation: Use of symbols to signify ideas.
The rose has long been a symbolism for love.
Allegory
As a literary device, an allegory is a narrative in which a character, place, or event is used to deliver a broader message about real-world issues and occurrences. Authors have used allegory throughout history in all forms of art to illustrate or convey complex ideas and concepts in ways that are comprehensible or striking to its viewers, readers, or listeners.
Symbolism
The practice of representing things by means of symbols or of attributing symbolic meanings or significance to objects, events, or relationships.
Allegory
A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one
Pilgrim's Progress is an allegory of the spiritual journey
Symbolism
A system of symbols or representations.
Allegory
The representation of abstract ideas or principles by characters, figures, or events in narrative, dramatic, or pictorial form.
Symbolism
A symbolic meaning or representation.
Allegory
A story, picture, or play employing such representation. John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress and Herman Melville's Moby-Dick are allegories.
Symbolism
Revelation or suggestion of intangible conditions or truths by artistic invention.
Allegory
A symbolic representation
The blindfolded figure with scales is an allegory of justice.
Symbolism
Symbolism The movement, theory, or practice of the late 19th-century Symbolists.
Allegory
(rhetoric) A narrative in which a character, place, or event is used to deliver a broader message about real-world issues and occurrences.
Symbolism
Representation of a concept through symbols or underlying meanings of objects or qualities.
Allegory
A picture, book, or other form of communication using such representation.
Symbolism
(obsolete) A combining together of parts or ingredients.
Allegory
A symbolic representation which can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, usually a moral or political one.
Symbolism
The act of symbolizing, or the state of being symbolized; as, symbolism in Christian art is the representation of truth, virtues, vices, etc., by emblematic colors, signs, and forms.
Allegory
A category that retains some of the structure of the category of binary relations between sets, representing a high-level generalisation of that category.
Symbolism
A system of symbols or representations.
Allegory
A figurative sentence or discourse, in which the principal subject is described by another subject resembling it in its properties and circumstances. The real subject is thus kept out of view, and we are left to collect the intentions of the writer or speaker by the resemblance of the secondary to the primary subject.
Symbolism
The practice of using symbols, or the system of notation developed thereby.
Allegory
Anything which represents by suggestive resemblance; an emblem.
Symbolism
The science of creeds; symbolics.
Allegory
A figure representation which has a meaning beyond notion directly conveyed by the object painted or sculptured.
Symbolism
A system of symbols and symbolic representations
Allegory
A short moral story (often with animal characters)
Symbolism
The practice of investing things with symbolic meaning
Allegory
A visible symbol representing an abstract idea
Symbolism
An artistic movement in the late 19th century that tried to express abstract or mystical ideas through the symbolic use of images
Allegory
An expressive style that uses fictional characters and events to describe some subject by suggestive resemblances; an extended metaphor
Symbolism
Deeper Meaning: Imbuing objects with broader significance.
The darkness in the story was a symbolism for despair.
Allegory
Narrative Representation: A story or picture with a hidden meaning.
The tale was an allegory for the struggles of the human soul.
Common Curiosities
Can an allegory contain symbolism?
Yes, allegories often incorporate symbols within their narratives.
Why do authors use allegory?
Authors use allegory to convey deeper meanings, moral lessons, or political messages.
What's a famous example of allegory?
"The Pilgrim's Progress" by John Bunyan is a classic allegory of a Christian's journey.
Is symbolism always obvious?
No, symbolism can be subtle, requiring readers' interpretation.
Can a single symbol be an allegory?
No, an allegory requires a narrative or extended metaphor.
Why is symbolism important in literature?
Symbolism adds depth, allowing authors to convey complex ideas with simple symbols.
Are allegory and symbolism the same?
No, while both represent deeper meanings, allegory is a narrative with symbolic characters/events, and symbolism uses symbols to represent ideas.
Can a character in a story be a symbol?
Yes, characters can represent broader ideas or themes, adding to the story's symbolism.
Is allegory restricted to literature and art?
No, allegory can be found in various mediums, from films to music.
Do symbols have universal meanings?
While some symbols have common interpretations, their meanings can vary based on culture and context.
Is understanding symbolism essential for appreciating a work?
While not always essential, understanding symbolism can enhance one's appreciation of a work's depth and complexity.
Can symbols change meaning over time?
Yes, as cultures and societies evolve, the interpretation of symbols can shift.
Can allegory be found in art?
Yes, artists often use allegory to convey deeper meanings in their works.
What is the purpose of using symbols in storytelling?
Symbols provide layers of meaning, enriching narratives and engaging readers.
Can allegories be based on real events?
Yes, real events can be allegorized to provide broader commentary or insights.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
