An allegory is a narrative, poem, picture, or other work of art in which characters, events, or settings symbolize deeper meanings, typically conveying moral, political, or spiritual messages

. In an allegory, the literal story operates on two levels: the surface narrative and a hidden or symbolic meaning that runs parallel to it

. For example, in Aesop’s fable “The Tortoise and the Hare,” the literal story is about a race between two animals, but the underlying message is about the value of persistence and humility over arrogance

. Similarly, George Orwell’s Animal Farm is an allegory for the Russian Revolution, with each character representing real historical figures or political ideas

. Key features of an allegory:

• Uses symbolic characters, events, or settings to represent abstract ideas or concepts

• Often delivers a moral, political, or philosophical message

• Functions on two levels: the literal and the symbolic

• Can be found in literature, art, film, and other forms of storytelling

In summary, an allegory is a storytelling technique that uses symbolism to express complex ideas in an accessible and often memorable way