Which term describes a literary work in which characters, objects, or actions represent abstractions?

• A. Allegory
• B. Assonance
• C. Apostrophe
• D. Myth

Answer: (A)

Allegory is a narrative technique in which characters, objects, or actions stand for abstract ideas or moral qualities beyond the literal surface of the story. This makes it the best fit because the defining feature is using concrete elements to convey deeper meanings, such as social or political critiques, through symbolism. For example, a tale about a farm where animals’ struggles reflect power dynamics conveys a broader message about oppression through allegory. In contrast, assonance is about repeating vowel sounds in poetry, the apostrophe is a direct address to someone or something absent or inanimate, and a myth is a traditional story often explaining origins or natural phenomena, not primarily defined by representing abstractions through symbolic figures.