Difference Between Allegory and Metaphor

Allegory and metaphor are figures of speeches often seen in literature and art. Metaphor is a phrasal expression, which is used to make a comparison of unrelated objects and actions. Allegory can be said to be an extended metaphor. Allegory is a comparison on a deeper note.

When compared to metaphor, allegory can be longer passages of comparison. An allegory, which is a substitute for another object or action, includes more fine points than a metaphor.

While metaphors are generally seen in literature, allegories are seen in literature, sculptures, painting and a lot more, which means that allegory has a wider presentation than metaphor.

Let us now look at some of the famous allegories and metaphors that will help in establishing the difference between the two in a better way.  When talking of allegory, the Divine Comedy is a good example. In Dante’s Divine Comedy, he is undertaking a pilgrimage for understanding his self but this character is also a representation of the human being who is seeking the purpose of his life.  Another example of an allegory is that of the apple which Adam eats on the insistence of Eve. The apple is symbolic of the knowledge between good and bad.

One of the best examples of metaphor can be traced in Shakespeare’s As You Like It, where the world is compared to a stage in which all men and women are mere actors. Other examples include frozen with fear, killing him with kindness, my stomach was a bottom less pit.

Metaphor is a word that has been derived from Old French Metaphore, which in turn came from Latin Metaphora, meaning carrying over. Allegory is a word that has been derived from Latin Allegoria, meaning figurative or veiled language.

Summary

1. Metaphor is a phrasal expression, which is used to make a comparison of unrelated objects and actions. Allegory can be said to be an extended metaphor.
2. When compared to metaphor, allegory can be longer passages of comparison.
3. An allegory, which is a substitute for another object or action, includes more fine points than a metaphor.
4. While metaphors are generally seen in literature, allegories are seen in literature, sculptures, painting and a lot more.
5. Metaphor is a word that has been derived from the Old French Metaphore, which in turn came from the Latin Metaphora, meaning carrying over. Allegory is a word that has been derived from Latin Allegoria, meaning figurative or veiled language.