Analyzing and Interpreting Literature CLEP Prep Practice Exam

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What is the primary purpose of allegory in literature?

  1. To serve as a metaphor for larger themes or ideas

  2. To provide a moral lesson or lesson in character

  3. To provide a contrast between good and evil

  4. To provide a physical description of the characters

The correct answer is: To serve as a metaphor for larger themes or ideas

Allegory in literature serves as a way to convey larger philosophical, moral, or social themes or ideas through metaphor. While all choices may be present in allegorical works, the primary purpose is not to solely provide a moral lesson or contrast between good and evil, but rather to create a deeper, symbolic meaning within the story. Additionally, allegory is not used to provide physical descriptions of characters, but rather to use them as symbols to represent abstract concepts. Therefore, the correct answer is A.