Definition of symbol, image, myth, allegory, parable and fable

Definition: A symbol is a literary device where an object, person, situation, or action represents something beyond its literal meaning, often embodying complex ideas or concepts.
Function: Symbols enrich a narrative by adding deeper meanings, often requiring the reader to interpret or analyze the text more critically.
Example: In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, the letter “A” symbolizes both “adultery” and “able,” reflecting the complexity of Hester Prynne’s character and situation.

Definition: An image in literature refers to language that appeals to the senses, creating a picture in the reader’s mind through descriptive language.
Function: Imagery enhances the reader’s experience by creating vivid, sensory details that evoke emotions and paint a clear picture of the scene or concept.
Example: In John Keats’s poem Ode to a Nightingale, the imagery of the “full-throated ease” of the nightingale’s song evokes the richness and beauty of the bird’s music.

Definition: A myth is a traditional story that embodies the beliefs or values of a culture, often explaining natural phenomena, the origins of the world, or the customs and ideals of a society.
Function: Myths serve to convey moral lessons, cultural values, or religious beliefs, often through tales involving gods, heroes, and supernatural events.
Example: The Greek myth of Icarus warns against hubris and the dangers of overambition through the story of a boy who flies too close to the sun with wax wings.

Definition: An allegory is a narrative in which characters, events, and settings symbolize abstract ideas or moral qualities, often conveying a broader message about society, politics, or religion.
Function: Allegories communicate complex ideas through symbolism, allowing readers to uncover layers of meaning within a story.
Example: George Orwell’s Animal Farm is an allegory for the Russian Revolution and the rise of totalitarianism, with farm animals representing key figures and ideologies.

Definition: A parable is a simple, brief story that illustrates a moral or religious lesson, often using human characters to convey the teaching.
Function: Parables teach lessons through storytelling, allowing readers to grasp ethical or spiritual truths in a relatable and memorable way.
Example: The Parable of the Good Samaritan from the Bible teaches the importance of compassion and kindness toward others, regardless of their background.

Definition: A fable is a short story, typically featuring animals as characters, that conveys a moral lesson, often through the actions and outcomes experienced by the characters.
Function: Fables teach moral lessons in an entertaining and straightforward manner, often using animals to symbolize human traits and behaviors.
Example: Aesop’s The Tortoise and the Hare illustrates the moral that slow and steady wins the race, emphasizing the virtues of perseverance and humility.

M.A. English Entrance Test Prep