Analyzing and Interpreting Literature CLEP Prep Practice Exam

In what type of literature is an animal or object used to represent an idea?

1. Allegory

2. Metaphor

3. Simile

4. Symbolism

The correct answer is: Allegory

An allegory is a type of literature that uses an animal or object to represent a larger idea or concept. This differs from a metaphor, which directly compares two things without the use of a representation, and a simile, which uses "like" or "as" to compare two things. Symbolism is also a similar concept, but it typically involves the use of a recurring object or image throughout a literary work, rather than a single representation. Therefore, allegory is the only option out of the four presented that directly addresses the use of an animal or object to represent an idea in literature.