Allegories in literature are figurative tones used to convey a message. An allegory communicates figuratively and is usually a form of rhetoric. It is not necessarily expressed in language, sometimes it is expressed in painting, sculpture, mime or art. In literature it is an art form that expresses an idea, principle or meaning. Generally speaking it is used as a metaphor. Some literature that
. utilizes the use of allegories are Fables by Aesop, The Republic by Plato, Phaedrus by Plato, The Trojan Women by Euripides, Encounter Trouble by Qu Yuan, The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan and The Book of Revelation. Pilgrim's Progress for instance illustrates the aspects of human nature in an abstract form. This is done through knowledge, beauty, strength and death. There is also symbolic allegory where the character have an obvious identity. Dante's Divine Comedy is a prime example of symbolic allegory.
