| Allegory has been studied for centuries as a narrative tool, but rhetorical scholars have not considered it. In this work I lay out formal and functional characteristics of a rhetorical theory of allegory. The form of allegory has four characteristics. First, allegory is a narrative or is narrativized, taking the form of a story or making one out of other ideas. Second, allegory is interpreted according to a pretext, which provides the underlying message of the allegory. The pretext is a powerful myth or dominant social narrative that provides new insight into the text of the story and the pretext. The third characteristic is the knowledgeable audience who is familiar enough with the pretext to see it in new areas. The last characteristic is the assumed allegorist who is credited with the allegory's creation. Sometimes it is the actual author, but the audience can credit whomever they choose. These four characteristics provide the structure for a rhetorical consideration of allegory.; Allegory functions in two ways. First allegory provides a conceptual schema. Through allegory the knowledgeable audience better understands the pretext. This can be in relation to their identity, how the pretext functions, or how they live out the pretext. Second, allegory gives the pretext presence. Through the allegory the pretext is placed at the forefront of the audience's consciousness in a lessened form. Since myths and dominant social narratives are so potent, they are often difficult to deal with on a daily basis. Allegory steps down that power and makes these essential stories more accessible for audiences.; After establishing these characteristics and functions, I apply my theory of rhetorical allegory to the films in the Matrix series. I examine two different audience reactions. First, I consider the reaction of the evangelical Christian audience, who see the films as a telling of the story of Christ and His teachings. The second audience is made up of postmodern philosophers, who see the films as providing a demonstration of their philosophical tenets. I then draw conclusion and implications as to the nature and role of allegory in rhetorical theory. |
