An allegory is defined as a figurative discourse in which the principal subject is depicted by another subject resembling it in its properties and circumstances.
It's like a sustained metaphor in a story format.
By transmitting his messages in allegorical stories or parables, Jesus often got his disciples to think for themselves and arrive at their own conclusions on the subject he wanted to convey.
Read the following allegorical account, then create your own allegory for a partner to listen to and see if he can conclude your message.
Luke 13:6 A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none; cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung (fertilize) it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
" Look at the issues below and weave an allegorical story around each of them.
1) Exemplify in allegory people that seek primarily money & material things through- out their lives vs seekers of primarily knowledge and wisdom.
2) Illustrate in allegory the chemical companies that profit off the continuous use of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides on crops vs the consumers ignorantly suf- fering the consequences of eating such crops.
3) Exemplify the U.S. policy in education vs the Japanese policy.
You can look at the below example as a guide, but create your own allegory to describe each of the issues above.
1) Once there were 2 troupes of hungry monkeys.
The members of the first troupe fought constantly over food supplies.
They were gluttonous, wasteful and saved nothing.
In lean times, they complained about their lacks and either starved or stole from other monkeys to survive.
The second troupe of monkeys ate judicious- ly and stored food for the lean times.
They were constantly seeking new avenues to different food supplies.
These monkeys did not waste nor squander their food, and always had enough food as a result.
Which method worked the best?