Final answer:
An allegory is a story where characters, places, and things have symbolic meaning, often used to convey complex ideas. By examining motifs and symbolism, a deeper understanding of the theme can be achieved, which may not be explicitly stated in the narrative.
Step-by-step explanation:
A story or description in which the characters, places, and other items are symbols is known as an allegory. An allegory is a narrative that uses symbolic figures, actions, and imagery to convey a more complex and often moral or philosophical meaning. For example, George Orwell's 'Animal Farm' is an allegory for the Russian Revolution.
To identify the theme in a work, one can look for motifs, which are recurring elements that gain significance through repetition and usually have symbolic value. These motifs could be anything from a character's recurring dreams to a frequently mentioned season or weather pattern. By examining how these motifs are used and what they symbolize, we can uncover the deeper meanings or themes of the narrative.
Symbolism itself is the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. For instance, a chain can represent bondage or restriction, while a bird might symbolize freedom. Authors often use symbolic elements to subtly communicate themes and messages without explicitly stating them.