An allegory is a story, picture, or poem that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one. It uses characters, events, or symbols to convey a deeper message beyond the literal level, allowing the audience to derive their own understanding based on the context and subtext of the work.
The word "allegory" comes from the Greek word "allegoria," which means "speaking otherwise." It is formed from the roots "alla," meaning "other," and "agoreuein," meaning "to speak in public." The term has been used since the late Middle Ages in Western literature to describe narrative devices that convey complex meanings.