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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
To the Reader
Explanation and Analysis—Fantasy and Imagination:
Throughout the narrative, the Blazing World itself acts as an allegory: one interpretation is that it is an allegory for the power and value of fantasy and imagination. A prominent theme in the story, Cavendish demonstrates that fantasy and utopian thinking can give people total freedom over their own imagined world and lead to philosophical and intellectual insights. The Blazing World is an act in the exercise of imagination; an act that conveys Cavendish’s arguments and desires, such as providing a space to empower women to become rulers. This allegorical reading is evident from Cavendish’s introductory letter, where she outlines the difference between “reason” and “fancy” and argues that fancy (fiction and imagination) has a productive purpose:
I mean […] by fancy a voluntary creation or production of the mind, both being effects, or rather actions of the rational parts of matter [which] requires sometimes the help of fancy, to recreate the mind [...].
Related Themes:
The Description of a New World, Called the Blazing World
Explanation and Analysis—Fantasy and Imagination:
Throughout the narrative, the Blazing World itself acts as an allegory: one interpretation is that it is an allegory for the power and value of fantasy and imagination. A prominent theme in the story, Cavendish demonstrates that fantasy and utopian thinking can give people total freedom over their own imagined world and lead to philosophical and intellectual insights. The Blazing World is an act in the exercise of imagination; an act that conveys Cavendish’s arguments and desires, such as providing a space to empower women to become rulers. This allegorical reading is evident from Cavendish’s introductory letter, where she outlines the difference between “reason” and “fancy” and argues that fancy (fiction and imagination) has a productive purpose:
Unlock with LitCharts A+I mean […] by fancy a voluntary creation or production of the mind, both being effects, or rather actions of the rational parts of matter [which] requires sometimes the help of fancy, to recreate the mind [...].
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Utopia and Paradise:
Throughout the story, the Blazing World acts as an allegory with multiple potential interpretations. One interpretation is that the Blazing World is an allegory for heaven and Cavendish’s ideal world. Given the nature of a utopia, the Blazing World is already an idealized world, but it is made further idealized when described as a religious paradise, pointing to a religious allegory. This is most evident when Cavendish writes that the name of the Blazing World’s capital is “Paradise”:
Unlock with LitCharts A+they went towards Paradise, which was the seat of the Emperor; and coming in sight of it, rejoiced very much; the Lady at first could perceive nothing but high rocks, which seemed to touch the skies.
Related Themes:
