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Literary Devices
Definition of Allegory
An allegory is a work that conveys a hidden meaning—usually moral, spiritual, or political—through the use of symbolic characters and events. The story of "The Tortoise and The Hare" is... read full definition
An allegory is a work that conveys a hidden meaning—usually moral, spiritual, or political—through the use of symbolic characters and events. The story of "The... read full definition
An allegory is a work that conveys a hidden meaning—usually moral, spiritual, or political—through the use of symbolic characters and... read full definition
Key Examples in Gilead
Allegory
Explanation and Analysis—Tunnel:
In his letter, John tells his son an old story set near Gilead, which can be interpreted allegorically. Back in the 19th century, an abolitionist settlement built a tunnel to connect a dry-goods store and a stable underground. This tunnel is meant to be understood as part of the Underground Railroad, to help free enslaved people. But in their excitement to build the tunnel, the townspeople didn’t construct it proportionally or sensibly.
Related Themes:
