What is Allegory? Examples and Explanation

Allegory was seen in paintings until the 17th century. mythological, religious and moralistic subjects While it was just a matter of time, it later also took part in human and social fields. It is a place that undergoes periodic changes like a heritage, where cultural symbols find meaning. allegory examples When you see it, you will understand that indirect speech is actually something completely different.

Maybe you’ve never heard of it before information about allegory and when you find out what’s inside, you’ll be surprised and have some enlightenment. “What does allegory mean?” If you are ready for the answers to the question, we are exploring the magical world of this art style.

Allegory with deep messages in a fairy-tale world

Allegory, which is the art of telling the complex and sometimes incomprehensible aspects of life with simple and understandable stories, is a frequently encountered phenomenon in our daily lives. art style. In works written or drawn with allegory, sometimes there is a criticism of humanity hidden in the adventures of an animal, and sometimes they are related to a story that takes place in a fantastic world. social commentary it could be.

Allegory, which both entertains and makes us think in the mirror of reality, explains even the most complex issues of life. simple and impressive It somehow helps us understand.

“What does allegorical expression mean?” When you say this, you will see clear definitions like in TDK. “Visualizing and expressing an image, an experience, or a behavior in order to better understand it; in its place.” The definition of allegory is “The situation in which the elements in a work of art represent something from real life.” is also added to this. In short, it’s actually for allegory. “to mean something else when saying one thing” We can also say.

When we delve deeper into the origins of allegory, you will see that it is Greek. “allos” meaning “other/other” and “speaking in public” “agoreuein” It came to our language as “allegory” from the word.

Who first used the allegory style and where did it spread all over the world?

“What is the first allegorical work?” It is actually not possible to give a definitive answer to the question. Some researchers consider it to be Ibn Sina’s only allegorical work. Hayy bin Yaqzan He argues that we also adopt this style. In addition, some studies also Hüsn-ü Dil’s indicates that it may be the first.

Where can you see allegory?

“Where is allegory used??” There are actually many titles to give to the question. Examples of allegory can be seen almost everywhere. Allegory, which finds a wide network of uses in different forms of art and communication, often in literature appears before us. This style we can see in novels, stories and poems; It is often used to convey a moral, ethical or political message through characters, plots and settings.

Works of art such as paintings and sculptures is another area where allegory is frequently used. To convey meanings beyond the obvious allegorical elements preferable. When you look at architectural structures, you can see allegorical elements in their designs.

Film and television productions also often contain allegory. Some movies their social critiques or philosophical themes expresses it with allegorical elements. These types of films aim to make the audience think and offer different perspectives. Productions for children present complex subjects in a simple and understandable way, often using allegory.

The areas of use of allegory are not limited to these. Politicians and activists often use it to explain complex political situations or ideologies. from allegorical stories benefits. Religious texts, education and philosophy also benefit from allegory.

Use of allegorical language to concretize abstract ideas

Concretization of abstract concepts is the most distinctive feature of this language. allegorical languagedescribes abstract concepts (e.g., justice, freedom, morality) through concrete images, characters, or stories. This allows abstract ideas to become more understandable and concrete.

Symbols can also be used as expressions. Each symbol carries a deeper meaning beyond what appears on the surface. Dove symbolizing peace can be given as an example.

If it has more than one meaning multi-layered style preferable. This multilayeredness offers the reader or audience the opportunity to find new meanings every time they read or observe the text or work.

Among the allegory examples, there are works that you all know.

Since allegory can sometimes be a confusing subject, giving examples actually makes the subject more understandable. As in the example we gave at the beginning, the details used in the symbol of justice contain allegory. And also show abundance with spikeUsing a skeleton with a scythe to describe death is an allegory.

Allegory in world literature

When we look at examples of allegory in world literature, Animal Farm stands out. In his work, George Orwell, while describing the rebellion of animals on a farm against humans, actually criticizes the Stanilist regime of Soviet Russia.

In the story of The Little Prince, the contradiction between childhood innocence and the chaos of the adult world is allegory form of expression It is explained with. The Simpsons series, on the other hand, criticizes American society and culture in an allegorical way through the town of Springfield and its residents.

Examples of allegory in paintings

Plato’s Allegory of the Cave is one of the most famous examples of allegory. Plato explains the nature of true knowledge and people’s perception of reality through the story of people chained in a cave.

Picasso’s Guernica It is a protest against Nazi bombing. The painting is filled with personalized symbols of pain and violence. Although there are many comments about this painting by Picasso, he also mentioned that there was an allegory in his work, but he did not fully explain the symbols he used.

Allegorical works in Turkish literature

Allegory, which we generally encounter in classical Turkish literature, is mostly referred to as in mystical works is encountered. One of the reasons for this is that Sufi works have two layers of meaning by nature.

Among the examples of allegorical expression in literature, Yusuf Has Hacib’s work Kutadgu Bilig is available. Justice, happiness, state and reason are discussed in the work, and how the state should be. Yahya Kemal’s “Silent ship”by Tevfik Fikret “Camel’s Head” and Ahmet Haşim “Stairs” His poems are among the examples of allegory in Turkish literature.

It is important to mention the most frequently confused topic: What is the difference between allegory and metaphor?

Allegory and metaphor, both are literary devices used to make abstract ideas concrete, but there are important differences between them: A metaphor makes a direct comparison and is usually short and to the point. For example, “Time is a river.” In his expression, the flow of time is likened to the flow of a river.

Allegory, on the other hand, contains deep meaning or message and is comprehensive. The example of “Animal Farm” can be given again. Allegory, as in this one, is often in the whole or in large part of the work is used.

When it comes to allegory, you too Examples that come to your mind We are waiting for your comments, if any.

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