a story that functions on two levels: a literal level
and a symbolic level.
A story that functions on two
levels... Literal and Symbolic
The literal story may tell a tale that seems
ordinary, of people and events.
On the symbolic level, the allegory is likely to
teach a moral lesson, relying on characters and
events to represent abstract ideas or concepts,
such as freedom, evil, or goodness.
To be effective, the allegory must succeed on both levels. It must tell an interesting
story, and it must convey an important symbolic theme or lesson.
As you read “The Blue Stones,” think about the literal and symbolic levels of this allegory. Consider what
the characters, objects, and events might stand for besides their literal meaning. Then think about how
specific symbols work together to form the allegory’s moral lesson.