Allegory and Symbolism

What is symbolism?Symbolism is when the author uses an object or reference to add deeper meaning to a story. Symbolism in literature can be:

-subtle or obvious-used sparingly or heavily.

It is also when an object, item, word, symbol has a deeper meaning and “symbolizes” something else.

What is allegory?Allegory is a device in which characters or events represent or symbolize ideas and concepts.

A simple answer to this question is that allegory is a way of explaining things which cannot easily be explained, by telling a story which has a deeper meaning.

You can see examples of allegory and symbolism in all types of fiction, such as

literature and film.

Let’s look at some examples you may be familiar with.

Aslan is to Jesus

Nazi stormtroopers were represented by The Empire’s stormtroopers in

Star Wars.

Many works of fiction are considered allegorical.

• Animal Farm by George Orwell• The Neverending Story by Michael Ende• The Old Man in the Sea by Ernest

Heminway• Lord of the Flies by William Golding• The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein• Redwall by Brian Jacques

…to name a few.

A conventional symbol is a symbol that has an understood or

widely accepted interpretation. The heart, for example, is a

conventional symbol of love. There are other conventional

symbols that are easily recognizable.

For example, we pledge allegiance to the flag, which is a physical, tangible representation of our country. Even

as children we know that the flag isn't the country, but that it stands

for our country. The pledge is a statement of loyalty to the country, and not a statement of loyalty to a

piece of decorated fabric.

How about some symbols you may

know…

Symbol of …?

Symbol of …?

Symbol of …?

You have to be careful with allegory and symbolism. Sometimes you can

find symbols and meaning where there really are none. If you look too hard, you can create it with an over

active imagination and then miss the true meaning of the story.

J.R.R. Tolkein on his works as allegory:

"An author cannot of course remain wholly unaffected by his experience…”

In regard to the The Hobbit and The Lord of the Ring though: "It is neither allegorical nor topical.... I cordially dislike allegory in all its manifestations, and always have done so since I grew old and wary enough to detect its presence."

That said…• The Shire probably represents England.• Sauron, Smaug and the orcs might represent the

Nazis.• Mordor and The Lonely Mountain might represent

Germany. All lands far in the east where a great evil lies, as Germany is to England.

• The Battle of the Five Armies may be representative of the Super Powers involved in the world wars.

• …but who knows?

The End