Interpretation of allegory vs symbolism
Allegory and symbolism are two literary devices that are often used to convey deeper meaning and themes. However, they are distinct from each other and have different characteristics.
Allegory: An allegory is a literary device in which a story or an image is used to represent a deeper meaning or moral lesson. The characters, events, and settings in an allegory are often used to represent abstract ideas or concepts. The meaning of an allegory is usually clear and easy to understand. Examples of famous allegories include George Orwell's 'Animal Farm' and John Bunyan's 'The Pilgrim's Progress.'
Symbolism: Symbolism is a literary device in which an object, image, or action is used to represent a deeper meaning or abstract idea. The meaning of a symbol is often open to interpretation and can have multiple layers of meaning. Symbols are often used to convey emotions, feelings, and complex ideas that are difficult to express directly. Examples of famous works of literature that make use of symbolism include Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Scarlet Letter' and F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby.'
In summary, an allegory is a specific type of story or image that represents a moral lesson or abstract concept, while symbolism is a device that can be used in any kind of literature and it is used to represent abstract ideas or emotions through the use of symbols.
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