WHAT IS AN ALLEGORY?
An allegory is a story that functions on two levels: a literal level and a symbolic level. The literal story may tell a tale that seems ordinary, of people and events. However, on the symbolic level, the allegory is likely to teach a moral lesson, relying on characters and events to represent abstract ideas or concepts, such as freedom, evil, or goodness. To be effective, the allegory must succeed on both levels. It must tell an interesting story, and it must convey an important symbolic theme or lesson. As you read "The Blue Stones," think about the literal and symbolic levels of this allegory, Consider what the characters, objects, and events might stand for besides their literal meaning. Then think about how specific symbols work together to form the allegory's moral lesson.
EX of an allegory : The blue stones
Symbolism: the use of words or objects to stand for or represent other things
EXERCISE
Q. What is the literal meaning behind the ship's figurehead?
Love for the Skippers wife
The end of the boat
An ornament : To make (something) look more attractive by adding decorative items.
The navigation
Q. What is the symbolic meaning of the ship's figurehead?
- An ornament
- Love for the Skipper's wife
- Freedom
- The Skipper leaving his wife
Q. What is the literal meaning behind the blue stones?
- Blue eyes
- The wife's eyes
- The ocean
- Blue crystals
Q. What is the symbolic meaning behind the blue stones?
- Vision
- The wife
- The love for the skipper
- Stones
Q. What is the literal meaning behind the skipper?
- The ship
- The husband
- The finder of the stones
- The owner of the ship
Q. What is the symbolic meaning of the skipper?
- Affection
- Hatefulness
- Loyalty
- Rage
Q. What is the literal meaning behind the wife? (Multiple Answers)
