How to Analyze Allegory

An allegory is...

• ...a story that represents something beyond itself.
• ...when the characters or story represent historical events.
• ...represent abstract or moral ideas.
• ...All of the above.

Allegory must include

• symbolism

• irony

• allusion

• hyperbole

Symbols allow writers to...

• ...convey layers of meaning.
• ...take a break from typing so much.
• ...turn on their headphones while they type.
• ...play Solitaire.

Why does an author use symbolism in their literary piece?

• To convey double meanings about a topic or subject

• To show the importance of symbols

• To help the reader understand the setting

• To make the story longer

We wear the mask that grins and lies,

It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes,

This debt we pay to human guile;

With torn and bleeding hearts we smile

What does the mask symbolize?

• a disguise

• hidden emotion

• grins and lies

• a covering for all or part of the face,

Hold fast to dreams

For if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird

That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams

For when dreams go

Life is a barren field

Frozen with snow

What does the broken winged bird symbolize?

• goals that you have met

• nightmare

• unfulfilled dreams

• life

When analyzing any story which of the following most helps you identify an allegory in the story?

• Tne time period the story is written in.

• The characteristics of the main characters.

• The message in the story.

• The ending of the story.

An allegory is a story in which:

• Characters, setting and actions stand for something beyond their literal meaning

• a story in which characters, settings, and symbols have new definitions

• a story in which characters, settings, and symbols have magical powers

• a story in which characters, settings, and symbols know one another

What does it mean to read "literally"?

• Use your eyes to read

• Take the words of the story to mean exactly and only what they say

• Take the words of a story as a hidden message for something else

• Read from a book

What does it mean to read "allegorically"?

• Read an allegory

• Take the words of the story to mean exactly and only what they say

• Take the words of a story as a hidden message for something else

• Read quickly