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Author
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Topic: what does allegory mean?
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carlfloydfan
Knowflake Posts: 846
From: EARTH
Registered: Nov 2005
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posted December 07, 2006 03:35 AM
 
I have to write about the allegorical nature of an angel in a book I read for a class. I guess I am just unsure on how to apply this term.and can you maybe give some concrete examples on how to apply the concept? I am just not sure where to even start! IP: Logged |
Sheaa Olein
Knowflake Posts: 2864
From: London
Registered: Jul 2004
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posted December 07, 2006 09:52 AM
Hi carlfloydfan, unless I'm mistaken, allegory means basically telling a story - I'm sure some other Knowflakes can elaborate, but I think the question is asking you to tell the story of the angel you just read about..? I hope this helps  IP: Logged |
teaologist
Knowflake Posts: 691
From: New York
Registered: Sep 2006
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posted December 07, 2006 01:50 PM
quote:
al·le·go·ry (l-gôr, -gr) Pronunciation Key
n. pl. al·le·go·ries
The representation of abstract ideas or principles by characters, figures, or events in narrative, dramatic, or pictorial form.
A story, picture, or play employing such representation. John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress and Herman Melville's Moby Dick are allegories.
A symbolic representation: The blindfolded figure with scales is an allegory of justice.
I'm not sure about the context that the angel operates in, but maybe he or she could represent faith/hope/mercy in a cruel world (to use a cliche). 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell is an allegorical tale. In short, the pigs took over the farm and kind of slave-drove all the other animals. Collectively, the pigs were an allegory of fascism (specifically Soviet regime under Stalin). Anyone feel free to correct cos I read this book 6 yrs ago. '1984' was a more complex version. When is this due? IP: Logged |
pidaua
Knowflake Posts: 7314
From: Schweinfurt to Grafenwoehr all within 6 months LOL
Registered: May 2002
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posted December 07, 2006 04:01 PM
teaologist in right."An allegory is an abstract representation of principals or ideas through the use of characters, figures or events. It is also the classification for a creative work, such as a story or a play, which makes use of allegory. In most cases, allegory is the term used (rather than metaphor) when the symbolic representations reflect an aspect of human behavior or values."
In the case of Moby Dick the whale represented "evil". In your book the angel may be the representation of all that is good and right within the human spirit.
In the Chronicles of Narnia- the Lion represented sacrifice similar to how Christians view Christ.Most allegories have a right or wrong- good verses evil theme. Here is an online article that also provide examples.
http://www.poewar.com/archives/2005/01/25/what-is-an-allegory/ Good luck
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Lindaland
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