Comparison workshop

AllegoryversusSymbolWhat's the Difference?

A symbol is a meaningful element; allegory sustains a system of correspondences across a narrative.

Read the pair

How They Differ

First idea

Allegory

Allegory operates through an extended narrative pattern.

versus

Second idea

Symbol

A symbol is one element carrying meaning beyond its literal function.

See the signal

Examples

Allegory

A nation trades away each season until its calendar is blank.

Symbol

A cracked compass represents lost direction.