What is the difference between allegory and symbolism?

Allegory and symbolism are related literary devices, but they should not be confused.

  • An allegory is a narrative that can be understood both literally and figuratively. It is a complete story that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning. An allegory employs symbols and metaphors to convey a deeper moral or philosophical concept.
  • Symbolism, on the other hand, is the use of words, images, or objects in a text to represent a concept or idea. Symbols are often more open to interpretation and may have multiple meanings.

For example, Plato’s allegory “The Cave” illustrates the philosopher’s journey from ignorance to wisdom. To convey this abstract idea, Plato uses symbols like the cave (the world of illusion), the light (knowledge), and the chains (the senses).

In other words, an allegory encompasses an entire text, whereas symbolism uses symbols that contribute to the overall meaning of a text.