Allegorically Speaking.....

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Balladeer

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0 posted 2011-07-29 10:06 AM

Allegory is a figurative mode of representation conveying meaning other than the verbal. Allegory communicates its message by means of symbolic figures, actions or symbolic representation. Allegory is generally treated as a figure of rhetoric, but an allegory does not have to be expressed in language: briefly, an allegory is a device used to present an idea, principle or meaning, which can be presented in literary form, such as a poem or novel, or in visual form, such as in painting or drawing.

As a literary device, an allegory in its most general sense is an extended metaphor. As an artistic device, an allegory is a visual symbolic representation. An example of a simple visual allegory is the image of the grim reaper. Viewers understand that the image of the grim reaper is a symbolic representation of death. Another example is the female allegory of justice.[1] Such visual representations have raised the question why so many allegories in the history of art, representing male gendered realities, are of female sex.

Since meaningful stories are nearly always applicable to larger issues, allegories may be read into many stories, sometimes distorting their author's overt meaning. For instance, many people have suggested that The Lord of the Rings is an allegory for the World Wars, in spite of J. R. R. Tolkien's emphatic statement in the introduction to the second edition, "It is neither allegorical nor topical.... I cordially dislike allegory in all its manifestations, and always have done so since I grew old and wary enough to detect its presence." Many have also suggested that the movie "The Dark Knight" is an allegory for the Bush Administration's conduction of the War on Terror (the Dark Knight himself taking on the role of President George W. Bush).

Not every resonant work of modern fiction is an allegory. Arthur Miller's The Crucible, for instance, is character-driven historical drama with contemporary relevance, but is not an allegory in spite of its parallels with McCarthyism, linking the hunt for communists in the 1940s and 1950s to the hunt for witches in the late 17th century. L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is plot-driven fantasy narrative in an extended fable with talking animals and broadly-sketched characters. J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings is another example of a work seen by many as allegorical yet, as the author explained, is not - rather it is an example of what he referred to as applicability.

No good book has ever been written that has in it symbols arrived at beforehand and stuck in. ... [In The Old Man and the Sea], I tried to make a real old man, a real boy, a real sea and a real fish and real sharks. But if I made them good and true enough they would mean many things. ”

—Ernest Hemingway in 1954

Now, for the uncomplicated explanation and assignment....

An allegory is simply a story or topic which relates to another unspoken topic. Star Trek was famous for working allegories into it's episodes. You assignment is....do it! Give me a poem that is allegorical, with an unspoken bond or link to another topic. Do it well and we will try to guess what the topic is that you are referring to. Stump us if you can. I am not expecting many to make the effort but I appreciate those of you who do. Good luck!!

Alison

Member Rara Avis

since 2008-01-27

Posts 9318
Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!

1 posted 2011-07-29 11:21 AM

This is a challenge. I'm in and will try to complete the assignment faster than last time. Thank you for doing what you do.

A

Michael

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since 1999-08-13

Posts 7666
California

2 posted 2011-07-29 04:36 PM

Interesting challenge. I am suddenly feeling inspired.

Balladeer

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Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

3 posted 2011-07-29 10:26 PM

Alison, I had no doubt you would be giving it a shot.

Michael, I'm very glad you've come back and in such style! Your participation is more than welcome

Dr.Moose1
Member Elite

since 1999-09-05

Posts 3448
Bewilderment , USA

4 posted 2011-07-30 09:19 AM

Balladeer,
I believe this assignment might fit me like a cheap suit, it may require some tailoring, but I'll work on it.
Doc

Balladeer

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5 posted 2011-07-30 10:16 AM

I thought you might have a vested interest in it, Moose

Alison

Member Rara Avis

since 2008-01-27

Posts 9318
Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!

6 posted 2011-07-30 07:03 PM

Hope it doesn't tie up all your time though, Doc.

Dr.Moose1
Member Elite

since 1999-09-05

Posts 3448
Bewilderment , USA

7 posted 2011-08-01 08:24 AM

Alison,
Looks like you've picked out just right "tie", to go with my suit and "deer's"
vest. Hats off to you, lol.
Doc

Alison

Member Rara Avis

since 2008-01-27

Posts 9318
Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!

8 posted 2011-08-01 11:08 AM

Yeah, Doc, and this assignment is about to knock my socks off!

Balladeer

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9 posted 2011-08-01 11:50 AM

Sounds to me like you both have had one belt too many....get busy!!!!

Dr.Moose1
Member Elite

since 1999-09-05

Posts 3448
Bewilderment , USA

10 posted 2011-08-01 12:20 PM

Alison,
I'm sure your's will be a "shoe-in". Aw, keep yer pant's on Balladeer.
Doc

Balladeer

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11 posted 2011-08-01 08:20 PM

Alison, stop trying to skirt the issue and get to work!!!!!!

Dr.Moose1
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since 1999-09-05

Posts 3448
Bewilderment , USA

12 posted 2011-08-01 09:22 PM

On face of great Mount Rushmore they should add another one
Symbolically, at least, or so that's what I would have done
For who here could dispute the fact that our great "Balladeer"
Should not be on that mountain's face displayed on her veneer.
There's allegory at it's best I'd verify as true,
but then again, I'm just some putz, a'tellin' it to you'
Doc

[This message has been edited by Dr.Moose1 (08-02-2011 07:34 AM).]

Balladeer

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13 posted 2011-08-01 09:33 PM

Ah, Doc, while I agree with your sentiments whole heartedly, you are simply telling things like they are (and should be!) However, I see nothing allegorical in it. could you point it out??

Dr.Moose1
Member Elite

since 1999-09-05

Posts 3448
Bewilderment , USA

14 posted 2011-08-02 07:36 AM

Balladeer,
I'm still working on the actual assignment, but figured I'd throw out a peace offering after the beating I've been handing out to you in open, lol.
Doc

The Duel

Two warriors brave, in combat locked
trade jabs for their own sakes
Yet still retain a friendship forged
that's not part of the stakes

Their common ground, the battlefield
where they wage war for sport
their armor rings from hammer blows
each deafening report

provides the spectators their thrills
vicariously they live
as these their chosen champions
each give all they can give

and then some more, it's all out war
that both may claim the prize
if you've determined what that is
then you are truly wise

[This message has been edited by Dr.Moose1 (08-02-2011 10:19 AM).]

Balladeer

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since 1999-06-05

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Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

15 posted 2011-08-02 03:35 PM

Aha!! That's more like it...allegorical, indeed.

Of course, when I think of what I'll do to you in such encounters, it should be renamed The Drool!

Dr.Moose1
Member Elite

since 1999-09-05

Posts 3448
Bewilderment , USA

16 posted 2011-08-02 09:31 PM

Bring it on, oh master of words' I shall gleefully rejoin you in combat. We shall set the Earth asunder, let all of Pipdom
tremble before our might, or something to that effect.

Doc.

Alison

Member Rara Avis

since 2008-01-27

Posts 9318
Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!

17 posted 2011-08-07 02:40 AM

Yep, yep -- gotta get this done tomorrow. I will too.

A

ebonygirl
Member Elite

since 2011-07-14

Posts 2000
California U.S.A

18 posted 2011-08-15 03:15 PM

Hi Balladeer,
I read the explanation and I'm going to give it a go.
ebonygirl

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In order to review your qualifications
please be as straight forward and honest as you can.
Your employer will then be able to
sort out a policy plan.

Include a bit about your past history.
Though we here enjoy a bit of mystery
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Should you find you are a perfect fit
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Balladeer

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19 posted 2011-08-15 09:26 PM

Nice to see you, ebonygirl!!

Nice lines....tell me what they allegorically refer to, please

rachaelfuchsberger

Senior Member

since 2007-02-21

Posts 609
Las Vegas, NV

20 posted 2011-10-24 08:24 AM

Here in the Harbor I Stand

Here in the harbor I stand,
To the sea I extend my hand,
And I beckon to you,
Come, my friend.
But oh! I see you're different!
You wear a mask,
And hide your past!
But I see throug it, alas!
Be gone from my shore!
Go back to before!
You're not welcome any more!
But here I still stand,
Extending my hand.
And calling you friend.

~Arana Darkwolf~
An' it harm none, do what ye will. Blessed be.

Balladeer

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Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

21 posted 2011-10-24 07:58 PM

OK, Rachael, you did fine. Of course you are not standing on a harbor, nor extending your hand to the sea....but you make your meaning clear by using those symbols. Nicely done....

rachaelfuchsberger

Senior Member

since 2007-02-21

Posts 609
Las Vegas, NV

22 posted 2011-10-25 10:16 AM

Thank you very much, Sir.

~Arana Darkwolf~
An' it harm none, do what ye will. Blessed be.

ponderthepoetorrsx
Member

since 2011-06-25

Posts 284
U.S , Ca

23 posted 2011-12-07 08:35 PM

hmmmmmmmmm i may do badly but here goes

i dwell in a cave
don't come to close or i'll suck your soul
and you'll end up in a great big hole
don't come too close nor dig too deep
or you wined up in my labyrinth
filled with twists and turns
and absolutely no wait out
don't come too close stay away
for in my cave i can't be tamed
and you'll end up being lamed.

i wanted to end it a bit differently but i fear it may stop being allegory if i do

yolilitzli

Balladeer

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since 1999-06-05

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Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

24 posted 2011-12-07 11:28 PM

Interesting, too. It is a good allegorical topic, using the cave as you do. You will need to pay attention to the spelling and grammar, because misuse of it will take away from the cleverness of the poem. For example...

wined up should be wind up
no wait out....I think you mean "way out"
Lamed? I've never seen that word used. It sounds pretty, er ,lame? I think maimed would work there, though.

I appreciate your joining us here and look forward to more of your entries.

ponderthepoetorrsx
Member

since 2011-06-25

Posts 284
U.S , Ca

25 posted 2011-12-08 02:14 AM

your right and lamed means hurt or rather being lame means your handycapped

ponderthepoetorrsx
Member

since 2011-06-25

Posts 284
U.S , Ca

26 posted 2011-12-08 10:49 PM

she is the captain of the ship
she wont allow a slip
do not fail to pay attention
when she steers you in the right direction
shes not the type to micromanage
but she'll make sure you eat your cabbage
she wont bring out the whip
as long as you show no lip
she's the captain of a ship.

hows that?

Balladeer

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27 posted 2011-12-09 07:57 AM

Well, the allegorical part works but there is no consistent meter. I'm assuming you are writing it for a child, with the "eating cabbage" part in there and cabbage and micromanage is quite a leap for a rhyme.

You show a good imagination and I suggest you look up meter on your search engine and study it a little to see how useful it is in making your poems flow well. That's the price for delving into rhyme

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