Allegory: GCSE English Definition

What is an allegory?

In GCSE English Literature and GCSE English Language, an allegory is where the text uses characters, settings and events symbolically to convey a deeper meaning, often related to moral, religious or political themes.

Why do writers use an allegory?

Writеrs usе allеgory to convey complеx idеas, add layеrs of mеaning or to providе criticism in a morе nuancеd mannеr. It encourages readers to think critically about thе underlying messages and themes within thе writer’s tеxt. 

Examples of an allegory

Many writers have written in the form of an allegory. For example, George Orwell’s Animal Farm is an allegory of the Russian Revolution of 1917 as many of the characters and events are primarily based on real historical individuals and events from Russia during this period. The novella was written in response to Stalin’s corruption of communism and his descent into totalitarianism and this can be seen in Old Major’s philosophy of Animalism, which adheres to the principles of communism where “All animals are equal”. On a wider and deeper level, Orwell uses it to serve as a warning against tyranny, oppression and totalitarian regimes.

Similarly, William Golding’s The Lord of the Flies is also an allegory. The setting and characters are used to represent the whole of human society, with the characters symbolising different styles of government and human nature. Golding intentionally uses allegory to convey the pessimistic conclusion that all human beings have a natural impulse towards evil.

Revision resources to ace your exams

Learn how to analyse allegory in literary texts and how to use it in your own English Language writing with our GCSE revision notes.

GCSE English Literature Revision Notes 

GCSE English Language Revision Notes

For more literary techniques, check out our list of 127 top literary devices, complete with student-friendly definitions.