2. Definition… According to the World Literature textbook: A parable is: “a short, allegorical story that teaches a moral or religious lesson about life.” “The most famous parables in Western literature are those told by Jesus in the Gospels of the New Testament” (1449). (Def) Allegorical: A story in which the characters, settings, and events stand for abstract or moral concepts.

3. Characteristics… Short: parables are meant to be told in a single sitting. Occasionally, expanded into a longer version as a retelling, but the traditional parable is short and simple. Result oriented: the theme within a parable hinges on the results/outcomes of the story rather than the feelings or revelations of a character. Situations: parables tend to involve characters facing a moral dilemma or making a questionable decision. Symbols: parables are allegories; therefore, they are highly symbolic. Most things need to be read at multiple levels at once. Human characters: what separates these stories from Fables. As a result these tend to be the adult versions of other stories.

4. Reading a Parable… Parables are allegories which means: They are symbolic They utilize metaphor They must be read at multiple levels Unlike other allegories: They have a single unambiguous point.

5. Read Parables Cont… Reading a parable hinges on identifying the central question early. If this is not found on the first reading, a second reading can often offer valuable insight as you go through it spotting references you’ve missed. Be on the lookout for character foils: (Def) Foil: are two characters who are similar in most regards but diametrically opposite in one way. Look for a repeating issue or idea. eg: Greed, wealth, loyalty… This will generally be the topic upon which the theme will be built.

6. Famous Parables… Some parables are referenced/alluded to continually. (Def) Allusion: A reference to a statement, person, place, event, or thing that is known from literature, history, religion, myth, politics, or some other field on knowledge. allusions are used to bring the theme of another story into one’s own using a single word or phrase. Allusions are one of the most efficient ways to create meaning within a work. List of common parable allusions: The Sower The Prodigal Son Talents The Good Samaritan Notice that most of these are biblical in origin. Knowledge of the bible is essential for a full understanding of literature.