Allegory in Literature

The term ‘allegory’ has been commonly known as personification of abstract things. The word rūpaka has been used in two different senses–(i) a category of the literary writing popularly known as ‘drama’ and (ii) in rhetorics, a kind of figure of speech. Hence the figurative use of characters in dramatic presentation has come to be known as rūpakanāṭaka. Though allegory is a synonym of metaphor (rūpaka) there is a definite distinction between the two.

Allegory is also distinct from symbolism. Symbolism is either resemblance through association or representation of the abstract ideas and immaterial things by means of concrete and material objects. For instance, ‘beauty’ can be represented through the symbol of ‘lotus’. In allegorical dramas there is humanisation of abstract ideas. Though closely related, allegory is definitely distinct from symbolism.

When personification is identified with ‘allegory’, it is a symbolic representation. In such allegorical plays the characters of the play are not real persons but abstract human qualities which are personified and made to talk, act and behave as if they are real human beings.

Apart from these three explanations there is a definition which considers allegory to be a figurative work of literary excellence. According to this, allegory is a method of presentation usually literary; but it can include the visual arts in which the things portrayed,–a person, an act, or an abstract idea, stand also for something else.

Analysing all these, it is found that they are alike in two respects–(i) allegorical compositions possess personification of inanimate objects or abstract ideas and (ii) an indirect approach to certain profound ideas. Allegorical dramas are nearer in tracing the truths and realities than to the realistic drama itself, because of their subject matter. The allegorical style of representation makes the inner feelings of human beings more easily and effectively comprehensive by making them directly perceptible to the senses through personification.

Allegorical plays can be considered to be an important variety of literature in the treatment of the ethical and psychical aspects of philosophy. Since allegorical drama concerns itself with conveying a veiled moral meaning by personifying vices and virtues one can without doubt, link allegorical drama with philosophy.

Philosophy works out various theories of life. Such views cannot be directly preached, as they are abstruse. Allegorical drama simplifies and makes them presentable on the stage. Through setting, action, costume, humour etc. a dramatist enacts philosophy. Thus allegorical dramas make the audience/reader understand easily the abstract principles of philosophy in an entertaining manner.