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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 The Once and Future King
Book 3, Chapter 7
Explanation and Analysis—Sixty-Four Knights:
Lancelot, on one of his quests from early in the third book, hears from a "lady" riding a white mare in the forest, about an especially violent man:
"His name is Sir Turquine."
"Good."
"Some say he is a madman. He has sixty-four knights in prison, whom he has captured in single combat, and he spends the time beating them with thorns. If he captures you, he will beat you too, all naked."
"He sounds an exciting man to fight."
"It is a sort of concentration camp."
"That is what I have been getting ready for," said Sir Lancelot. "It is what Arthur invented the Round Table to prevent."
