Allegory vs. Parable: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 5, 2023
An allegory is a symbolic narrative with a deeper meaning, while a parable is a short, illustrative story teaching a moral lesson.
Key Differences
An allegory is an intricate narrative that uses characters, events, or settings to convey a deeper, often abstract or spiritual, meaning. Allegories often extend throughout the entirety of a story, poem, or visual representation. For instance, a character in an allegory might represent greed or hope. Parables, on the other hand, are succinct tales that highlight a singular moral or spiritual lesson. Their aim is to use the familiar or concrete to shed light on something more abstract.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
While both allegories and parables operate on the premise of symbolism, their scope and depth vary. Allegories can be vast and complex, providing layers of interpretation and often requiring more deliberation to unravel their full meanings. On the contrary, parables are designed for immediate impact; they deliver a clear message without extended layers of symbolism.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Think of allegory as a vast mural or tapestry, filled with interconnected symbols forming a coherent but intricate image. In contrast, a parable would be more like a singular, impactful sketch, highlighting one clear lesson or moral. While George Orwell's "Animal Farm" is an allegory of the Russian Revolution, the parable of "The Good Samaritan" teaches the virtue of selfless aid.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
It's also worth noting that parables are traditionally associated with religious teachings, especially in the context of the Bible. Jesus, for instance, frequently employed parables to communicate complex spiritual truths in an accessible manner. Allegories, however, are more widely spread across different literary and artistic domains, from John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress" to Plato's allegory of the cave.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
A symbolic narrative with deeper meanings.
A short story illustrating a moral lesson.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
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Scope
Extensive, often throughout a story.
Specific, focused on a singular lesson.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Usage
Found in various literature and art.
Often associated with religious teachings.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Interpretation
Requires deeper contemplation to decipher.
Designed for immediate understanding.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Allegory and Parable Definitions
Allegory
A metaphor extended throughout a literary work.
The play served as an allegory for political corruption.
Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
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Parable
A tale showcasing a practical or ethical principle.
She remembered the parable about reaping what you sow.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Allegory
An intricate narrative with layered meanings.
The allegory painted a picture of society's flaws.
Janet White
Oct 05, 2023
Parable
A story used to explain a doctrine or principle.
The parable taught the villagers to value honesty.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Allegory
Characters or events representing ideas or principles.
In the allegory, the river symbolized life's journey.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
Parable
A simple narrative illustrating a spiritual truth.
The parable of the prodigal son speaks of forgiveness.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
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Allegory
Artistic expression using symbols to convey abstract ideas.
The film was an allegory of the human psyche.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Parable
A brief story teaching a moral lesson.
The parable emphasized the importance of kindness.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Allegory
The representation of abstract ideas or principles by characters, figures, or events in narrative, dramatic, or pictorial form.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 24, 2023
Parable
An illustrative narrative conveying wisdom.
He shared a parable about the consequences of envy.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Allegory
A story, picture, or play employing such representation. John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress and Herman Melville's Moby-Dick are allegories.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 24, 2023
Allegory
A symbolic representation
The blindfolded figure with scales is an allegory of justice.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 24, 2023
Parable
A short narrative illustrating a lesson (usually religious/moral) by comparison or analogy.
In the New Testament the parables told by Jesus Christ convey His message, as in "The parable of the prodigal son".
Catholic sermons normally draw on at least one Biblical lecture, often parables.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 24, 2023
Allegory
(rhetoric) A narrative in which a character, place, or event is used to deliver a broader message about real-world issues and occurrences.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 24, 2023
Allegory
A picture, book, or other form of communication using such representation.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 24, 2023
Allegory
A symbolic representation which can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, usually a moral or political one.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 24, 2023
Allegory
A category that retains some of the structure of the category of binary relations between sets, representing a high-level generalisation of that category.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 24, 2023
Parable
A comparison; a similitude; specifically, a short fictitious narrative of something which might really occur in life or nature, by means of which a moral is drawn; as, the parables of Christ.
Declare unto us the parable of the tares.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 24, 2023
Allegory
A figurative sentence or discourse, in which the principal subject is described by another subject resembling it in its properties and circumstances. The real subject is thus kept out of view, and we are left to collect the intentions of the writer or speaker by the resemblance of the secondary to the primary subject.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 24, 2023
Parable
To represent by parable.
Which by the ancient sages was thus parabled.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 24, 2023
Allegory
A figure representation which has a meaning beyond notion directly conveyed by the object painted or sculptured.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 24, 2023
Parable
(New Testament) any of the stories told by Jesus to convey his religious message;
The parable of the prodigal son
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 24, 2023
Allegory
An expressive style that uses fictional characters and events to describe some subject by suggestive resemblances; an extended metaphor
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 24, 2023
Allegory
A story or representation that symbolizes a broader concept.
The novel was an allegory for the struggle of good and evil.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
FAQs
What's the primary purpose of an allegory?
To convey deeper, symbolic meanings throughout a narrative.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Are parables always religious?
While often associated with religion, parables can be secular too.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Do allegories always need interpretation?
Often, yes, as they contain layered meanings.
Janet White
Oct 05, 2023
Can a whole novel be an allegory?
Yes, many novels, like "Animal Farm", are allegorical.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
What's a key characteristic of a parable?
It's a short story teaching a clear moral lesson.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
Who commonly used parables in teachings?
Jesus Christ frequently used parables in his teachings.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Is a parable always fictional?
Typically, yes, as it's a tool to illustrate a lesson.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Can songs contain allegories?
Yes, some songs use allegory to convey deeper messages.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
Why are parables effective in teachings?
Their simplicity and relatability make complex truths accessible.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
