- Definition
An allegory is a story where the characters and events are symbols that stand for bigger ideas or lessons.
A story where animals take over a farm can act as an allegory for a historical revolution.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: An allegory is like a fairy tale where the big bad wolf isn't just a wolf, but a symbol for a bigger idea like greed or danger.
Ask your child: Is this villain just a bad guy, or could he represent something bigger?
Common mix-up: Kids might think an allegory is just a story with a simple moral. The key is that the entire story, with its characters and events, is a symbol for a much bigger, more complex idea.
Examples
- A fantasy tale about a magical ring of power can be an allegory for how greed corrupts people.
- A movie about a city of different animals trying to get along could be an allegory for overcoming prejudice in society.
allegory is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
