Fables are allegories. So are religious parables and any other story which uses characters that represent certain kinds of people or characteristics. Allegories are not as popular now as they have been in the past, although there certainly is a place for them. Not all allegories have to be as obvious as Joel’s fish story. Not all allegorical characters have to be totally based on stereotypes, although many are. An example of a more modern allegory that you might know is the book and movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. In this story, Charlie is the typical boy who is tempted and who learns through watching other characters, including the gluttonous Augustus Gloop and spoiled Veruca Salt, among others.
Think about other movies, stories, or books that you may have read that could be considered allegories or that may include allegorical characters meant to teach a lesson. Respond to the following questions in a discussion:
What are some allegories that you have read or viewed? Consider TV shows as well as movies, books, and stories.
What made them allegories?
What modern issues could be used in an allegory? Why? How?
